Speaking at the Global Growth Conference 2026, the Minister Nduhungirehe said Africa’s future growth will depend on the continent’s ability to build resilient economies capable of responding to global uncertainty and rapidly changing economic realities.

Minister Nduhungirehe told delegates that Rwanda believes Africa’s economic transformation will largely be shaped by three major priorities: investing in transformative infrastructure, developing human capital, and accelerating intra-African trade.

He stressed that infrastructure remains the foundation of every competitive economy, noting that reliable energy systems, efficient transport networks, and digital infrastructure are essential for industrialization and sustainable growth.

The minister described Africa’s infrastructure gap as a major challenge limiting productivity and competitiveness, while also highlighting the continent’s enormous renewable energy potential in areas such as solar, hydro, geothermal, and green hydrogen.

According to him, strategic investments in energy production, transport corridors, ports, railways, aviation, and smart border systems are necessary to unlock regional trade and strengthen economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nduhungirehe also emphasized the growing importance of digital transformation, saying Africa must become an active innovator rather than simply a consumer of emerging technologies.

He said investments in artificial intelligence, digital public services, cybersecurity, and broadband connectivity will play a critical role in improving governance, education, healthcare, and financial inclusion across the continent.

Drawing from Rwanda’s experience, the minister described technology as a development accelerator capable of driving economic inclusion and improving service delivery.

On human capital, Nduhungirehe said Africa’s rapidly growing youth population represents one of the continent’s greatest opportunities if governments prioritize education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technical skills development.

He called for education systems that are aligned with the demands of future labour markets, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and vocational training.

The minister further emphasized the importance of healthcare, nutrition, gender equality, and youth empowerment in building productive and resilient societies.

Addressing regional integration, Nduhungirehe described the African Continental Free Trade Area as a historic opportunity to create the world’s largest integrated market and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.

He urged African countries to reduce trade barriers, harmonize regulations, strengthen payment systems, and develop regional value chains that promote industrialization and value addition instead of continued dependence on raw material exports.

The foreign minister concluded by saying Africa’s future will be determined not by its challenges, but by the collective ambition, partnerships, and reforms undertaken by African nations.

He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to working alongside African countries and international partners to advance sustainable development, regional cooperation, and shared prosperity across the continent.