This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, African leaders gathered virtually to discuss the continent's role in the global post-Covid-19 economic recovery. The meeting, convened by the New York Forum Institute, brought together Heads of State, captains of industry, and technocrats from across the continent.
The leaders, including Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Macky Sall (Senegal), Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), and Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger), emphasized that Africa has the competencies and resources to support the world's recovery from the Coronavirus health crisis.
President Kenyatta, in his remarks, asked the international community to view and treat Africa as an equal partner in development. He noted that Africa is not the problem, but through partnership, the continent can be a solution.
"Africa is not the problem but through partnership we can be a solution," President Kenyatta said.
The Kenyan Head of State also highlighted the importance of resource and information sharing among nation states in the successful management of the current health crisis. He cited the Kenyan government's use of mobile money transfer services during the crisis as an example of how technology can help manage the spread of the virus and keep the economy moving.
President Sall of Senegal urged the international community to provide a level playing field for Africa to meet its obligations. The Senegalese leader also emphasized the need for African countries to rethink their models of development, especially in the allocation of resources to key sectors.
