AfDB’s 48th Annual Meetings: Top Ten Quotes
The African Development Bank Group on May 31, 2013 ended its 48th Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco.
About 2,700 delegates from governments, civil society, development partners and many others including billionaires, philanthropists and CEO of banks attended the Meetings which started May 27.
Two African Head of States – Rwandan President Paul Kagame and President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon also graced the annual event.
Below are top ten quotes made by distinguished persons during the Meetings.
1. We invite you to come and invest in Africa but not at all cost. You come – you have to respect us, you have to respect our culture – Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon.
2. Africa is the future of growth – Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner.
3. Sub-Saharan Africa has more cell phones than North America and Europe but none of the components of those mobile phones are made in Africa – Donald Kaberuka, President of AfDB.
4. If calculations are done, Africa lost almost $50 billion each year and that is equal to the foreign direct investments (FDIs) the continent gets yearly. We earned nothing – Prof. Mthuli Ncube, AfDB Chief Economist.
5. I really believe we have a serious leadership deficit in Africa – Mo Ibramhim, Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
6. The African people are ready, and there is a changing mindset and optimism, growing confidence and determination among the population to lead our development. But this must be accompanied by concrete actions with result to show – Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda.
7. Africa is one of the regions in the world with the highest visa requirements. Visa restrictions imply missed economic opportunities for intra-regional trade and for the local service economy such as tourism, cross-country medical services or education. – Prof. Mthuli Ncube, AfDB Chief Economist.
8. Charity and aid have failed Africa. Leading entrepreneurs are now driving the continent’s development agenda – Tony O. Elumelu, Nigerian Banker and Philanthropist.
9. Wildlife crime is a serious crime, and it is not just the rhinos and elephants that are in danger – there are grave implications also for national security, the rule of law and the wellbeing of communities across Africa – Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International.
10. Local banks are robust enough to support SME requirements in Africa – Prince Kofi Amoabeng, CEO of UT Bank Ghana
By Ekow Quandzie back from Marrakech, Morocco