Tanzania PM joins CEOs forum to tackle major challenges facing Africa

ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa, on behalf of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, participated in the opening of the African CEOs Forum, which began today, May 12, 2025, at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The two-day forum was officially opened by the President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, and has brought together more than 3,000 Chief Executive Officers from across Africa, international investors, as well as heads of state and government.

In his opening remarks, President Ouattara emphasized that the forum aims to address key challenges facing the African continent and seek solutions in areas such as the economy, finance, business, and environmental issues.

 He further stated that Africa must prioritize value addition to its locally produced goods in order to strengthen its economic growth.

During the event, Prime Minister Majaliwa also participated in a Presidential Panel discussion moderated by independent CNN journalist Larry Madowo.

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The session featured leaders such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El-Ghazouani, and the Vice President of Ivory Coast.

President Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing efforts to restore peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that various negotiations held in Nairobi, Rwanda, and Qatar have contributed to progress, with some military forces beginning to withdraw from the region.

He stressed that African problems must be resolved by Africans themselves, stating: “This is our continent, and we have the responsibility to deal with our own issues instead of relying on external solutions.”

President Kagame added that for Africa to achieve economic independence, governments must empower the private sector through favorable policies and business environments. “We cannot expect the private sector to drive economic growth unless we provide incentives such as sound policies, laws, and governance. The challenge is in the delayed implementation of agreements made at such forums,” he said.

President El-Ghazouani of Mauritania underscored the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable social and economic development.

Later this evening, Prime Minister Majaliwa is expected to take part in another panel discussion featuring Prime Ministers from Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Cameroon.