A candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Presidency, Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo, has laid out his vision for a “Future-Ready Africa” during the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN)’s “Conversations on Africa’s Development.
The event held December 17, which drew African professionals from across the diaspora, focused on addressing key development challenges facing the continent.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Maimbo highlighted the need to transition from aid dependency to investment-driven growth, emphasizing three core strategies of reducing reliance on donor agencies, fostering job creation and economic growth as well as strengthening regional solidarity.
Dr. Maimbo’s proposals struck a chord with the audience and the NPN, which honored him with the African Leadership Excellence Award. The award recognizes his leadership and ambitious vision for the AfDB, aligning closely with the NPN’s mission to advance a self-reliant and prosperous Africa.
The event also featured notable contributions from other prominent figures. Social entrepreneur Ndidi Nwuneli addressed issues of food security and sustainable job creation, while musician Olubankole Wellington (Banky W) spotlighted the creative economy’s potential as a driver of African development.
Through this event, the NPN continues its commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among African professionals to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges and drive transformative growth.
