The African Union Chairperson, Moussa Mahamat, has called for a business-friendly climate to promote private sector investment.
Mr Mahamat, speaking at the formal unveiling of the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos, said the project is a testament to what can be done if the government provides an enabling climate for companies to grow.
“Ecobank was born out of the idea among West African businesspeople who are determined to provide the African continent with a homegrown financial institution,” said Mr Mahamat. “It has shown exactly what can be achieved by the African private sector when they come together in genuine collaborative and joint efforts.”
“Again, it has also shown that it is possible when government creates enabling environment for the private sector to thrive,” he continued.
Mr Mahamat also stressed the need for active engagement between the public and business sectors in Africa for economic equality.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state would continue to foster an atmosphere that promotes business efficiency and encourages foreign direct investment.
He also added that the facility has a strong link that would help the state’s Smart City initiative and modernise infrastructure.
“This Pan-African Centre is, indeed, an intelligent building designed with energy efficiency and is one of the things we need in Nigeria. … It is a state-of-the-art building focused on environmental sustainability and I am sure that from what I have seen around, it is redefining building and infrastructural development,” said the governor.
