The Group chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Tony Elumelu has said that the Coronavirus pandemic has presented a perfect opportunity for foreign investors to invest in Africa, owing to the huge opportunities that are inherent in the African economy.
Speaking at a virtual session organised by the TIME100TALKS on the theme, ‘Empowering Entrepreneurs’, Elumelu said “this is the time to invest. Africa is a land of opportunities, there is huge population and there is now the realisation by African leaders who are creating an enabling environment to encourage these investments.”
Elumelu also called on all bodies and key sectors such as the private sector, public sector, development agencies like the African Development Bank and other institutions to work together to make a difference, adding that “What the world needs today and Africans, in particular, is hope and that to me is what will make the difference but that hope has to be backed by tangibility, some substance so that we can make it work.”
On his part, founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates sought for collaboration between the private and public sector to end the pandemic, adding “Every country has to think through the right policies to stop the spread, there is need to speed up the process of getting new drugs and vaccines, we need a global response.”
United States Senator, Tammy Duckworth who also spoke in sessions at the event, emphasised the need for funding for teaching and appreciation for teachers. He advocated for more teamwork at all levels to fight the pandemic. According to him, “What the country needs is a team that will step forward to deal with the crisis. It is very significant for me to be on a national stage for other Asian Americans, because we often are the forgotten minority in this country.”