Let me start by congratulating Nation Media Group for putting together this third edition of the Kusi Ideas Festival in these very challenging circumstances.
This past year, much progress has been made towards Africa’s recovery, but we still have a long way to go.
In Rwanda, we have learned that transformation is a continuous process that requires thinking ahead to build a more resilient future.
Going forward, as we continue building the Africa we want, let us apply the same mindset.
The Kusi Ideas Festival is about innovation.
For one, technology constantly creates new and better ways to share ideas.
In essence, that is what the African Continental Free Trade Area aims to facilitate.
We need to see significant investment in the digital capabilities of our people, especially young people.
Second, climate-smart agriculture should be scaled-up.
Even with the dual threat of Covid-19 and food insecurity, as we are currently witnessing, this practice would improve productivity while keeping our environment safe.
Lastly, innovations should be introduced in the delivery of social protection to adapt to shocks with the support of the private sector.
These three items are all part of the important conversations taking place at the Kusi Ideas Festival.
The level of cooperation in Africa since the beginning of the pandemic has been encouraging. Beyond the crisis, we will need to continue working together to see tangible results.
Please continue counting on Rwanda’s support for this homegrown African initiative.
I wish you a successful conference, and I thank you for your kind attention.