Africa Ready to Rewrite Its Future: President Kagame Calls for Action Over Words at Africa CEO Forum 2026

At the opening of the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful message urging African nations to move beyond discussions and take concrete action to protect and advance the continent’s interests.

Speaking before an audience of business leaders, investors, and heads of state from across Africa and beyond, Kagame emphasized that Africa’s greatest challenge is no longer what the world is doing for the continent, but why Africa itself has not fully harnessed its vast opportunities and natural resources to secure its own future.

“We need to rise and act,” Kagame said. “There is much we know and much we talk about, but what is needed now is far more action.”
His remarks were met with strong applause from participants attending one of Africa’s most influential business and leadership gatherings.
During a high-level discussion alongside Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema, Kagame stressed the importance of building an Africa that is economically independent and capable of making decisions that shape its own destiny.

He highlighted the private sector as the true engine of Africa’s economic transformation, while criticizing bureaucratic obstacles within government institutions that often slow progress and innovation.

“The private sector is already performing remarkably well, and in some cases moving ahead of governments,” Kagame noted. “These are people constantly competing to succeed, often overcoming barriers created by public institutions. Without those obstacles, Africa would be much further ahead in development.”

Kagame added that governments must focus on creating policies and systems that make investment and trade easier, allowing entrepreneurs and businesses to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

The forum also witnessed Rwanda signing major partnership agreements with several international companies and organizations, including APIEX, Elsewedy Group, Sunrise Resorts & Cruises, Busara Advisors Inc., Cleo Capital Group, and Lux Collective. These agreements are expected to strengthen investment, tourism, trade, and business opportunities in Rwanda and across Africa.

Munyakazi Sadate, Managing Director of KARAME Rwanda LTD, described the Africa CEO Forum as a vital platform that brings together decision-makers and investors to exchange ideas and build partnerships capable of transforming the continent.

“This forum provides extraordinary opportunities for African leaders and investors to shape the future of our continent through collaboration,” he said.
The Africa CEO Forum 2026 once again highlighted Rwanda’s growing reputation as a leading destination for major international conferences and a trusted hub for investors seeking opportunities in Africa.