Adesina, Sanusi and Otti to lead Africa economic talks in Abuja
- The Oxford Global Think Tank holds its second leadership conference in Abuja on November 3.
- Akinwumi Adesina gives the keynote, with Muhammadu Sanusi II and Atedo Peterside co-chairing.
- Organisers say talks will cover jobs, investment, artificial intelligence and stronger institutions.
Some of the continent's best-known economic voices will gather in Abuja on November 3 to discuss how Africa can turn its resources into lasting prosperity.
The second Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTT) Leadership Conference will bring together government officials, business leaders, technology executives, financiers and civil society groups at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina will give the keynote address. He also chairs the Global Africa Investment Summit.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Atedo Peterside, founder of the ANAP Foundation, will co-chair the event, according to a statement from the conference's media adviser, Chris Isiguzo.
Why it matters for ordinary Nigerians
The theme is "Leadership for a Prosperous Future." Organisers say the talks will go beyond speeches and focus on practical steps: strengthening institutions, pulling in capital, raising productivity and widening economic opportunity.
For many Nigerians, those words connect to daily concerns — jobs for young people, prices, and whether small businesses can find affordable finance.
Others expected include Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani; Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Afreximbank Executive Vice President Kanayo Awani; Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director-General Emomotimi Agama; and Flutterwave Chief Executive Gbenga Agboola.
Discussions will rest on three pillars — resilience, innovation and dynamism — and will also take on rapid advances in artificial intelligence, shifting global power balances and a fast-growing young population.
A highlight will be the launch of an AI report and an AI Virtual Centre, alongside an exhibition of emerging technologies.
"Africa's future will be shaped by the quality of leadership and the choices its institutions and leaders make today," the organisers said.
The Oxford Global Think Tank, founded by Arunma Oteh, describes itself as an independent, non-governmental and non-partisan body that promotes research and dialogue on development.
A cocktail reception will follow the sessions.
