KIGALI - Commerce Minister, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, has attributed the lack of investments in Africa to negative publicity by western media.

Nsanzabaganwa was yesterday speaking at the opening of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) second review workshop for civil society and private sector organizations at Bon Sejour hotel.

She called for efforts in reversing misconceptions on Africa, saying that the perception of insecurity is almost as harmful to the economy as real insecurity.

"Most media, particularly the western media, has continued to portray Africa in a very negative light, and this has had the effect of further discouraging investors,” the minister said.

Nsanzabaganwa pointed out that conflicts in the continent have had a negative effect on trade between countries, reiterating that the perception of insecurity perpetuated by the media has made matters worse. 

The minister praised the regional bloc for having developed a program for peace and security, which she said is a mechanism that will enhance the bloc’s integration agenda.

"I must specifically commend you for the development and the subsequent adoption of a formal mechanism to involve non-state actors in the search for peace and security,” Nsanzabaganwa said.

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