Hundreds of business leaders from across the continent are gathering in Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum and this is the right platform where the future of the continent, which has been for decade seen as a basket case, will be charted. For decades, the narrative surrounding Africa's development has been one of aid and intervention. While past efforts have played a role, it's time to rewrite the script. Africa's future lies not in outstretched hands, but in the calloused palms of its entrepreneurs and business leaders. ALSO READ Africa CEO forum opens in Kigali The continent is teeming with a young, dynamic population brimming with potential. Yet, true prosperity will only blossom through a thriving private sector. Aid agencies can provide temporary relief, but it's the engine of commerce that creates jobs, fuels innovation, and drives sustainable growth. This is why forums like one currently underway in Kigali that connect Africa's business leaders are crucial. These gatherings are not mere networking events; they are crucibles where synergies are forged and a collective voice emerges. This united front is essential when it comes to advocating for change. ALSO READ Africa does not have to ask for a seat at the table, Kagame tells business leaders Africa's business leaders need to speak with one voice, challenging the political class to remove the shackles hindering intra-African trade. Exorbitant airfare prices isolate markets, while non-tariff barriers and bureaucratic red tape create unnecessary hurdles. These issues stifle growth and prevent African businesses from reaching their full potential. Imagine a continent where goods flow freely across borders, where entrepreneurs collaborate seamlessly, and where innovation thrives. ALSO READ Africa CEO Forum: Who are the business tycoons in Kigali? Let us celebrate the achievements of African businesses, big and small. Let gatherings of leaders become platforms for knowledge sharing and strategy development. Let us empower this generation of entrepreneurs to become not just economic drivers, but architects of a brighter African future. The time for relying on external aid is over. It's time to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of Africa and build a future where the continent's destiny is shaped not by handouts, but by the ingenuity and drive of its own people. Let's unlock Africa's true potential, together.
