By Joy Odor
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has emphasized the need for Africa to take charge of its sustainable development, rather than relying on external solutions, to tackle climate change and infrastructure gaps effectively.
SGF who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office(OSGF), Engr. Nadungu Gagare gave the charge at the Stakeholders’ Engagement/Global Press Conference on the 2025 Bi/Multilateral Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS) in Abuja on Monday.
Sen. Akume stressed that Africa should be an active architect of its own sustainable development, rather than a passive recipient of foreign solutions.
He stressed that the AICIS 2025 Summit rescheduled for August 11-14, 2025, in Abuja, will provide a continental platform to articulate, align, and activate collaborative strategies for resilient infrastructure and climate action.
Akume commended the Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) for collaborating with relevant stakeholders on this initiative, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving Africa’s development goals.
According to the SGF, President Bola Tinubu administration has prioritized strategic infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth, aligning with the goals of the AICIS 2025 summit.
He maintained that the Summit aimed to promote climate resilience and development financing through multi-stakeholder approaches, ensuring Africa’s voice is represented in global climate discourse.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the AICIS 2025 Planning Committee, Hon. Moses Owharo informed that the objectives of the Press conference was to brief local and international media on the aims and expected impact of AICIS 2025.
The Chairman AICIS Planning Committee reiterated that the move is also to mobilize multilateral and bilateral support for broad-based participation.
He challenged that it is to reinforce stakeholder alignment around the Summit’s four key pillars: Green Infrastructure, Climate Resilience, Gender Inclusion, and Bankable Investment Partnerships.
