••• Highlights the immense investment and business prospects within the Nigerian Landscape to delegates from across Africa and the Middle East
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committees on Trade & Investment as well as Rules & Business, has called for stronger youth leadership and cross-border collaboration to unlock Africa’s full potential under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Delivering the keynote speech at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit hosted by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Abuja, Senator Umar praised JCI’s global role in raising leaders and promoting active citizenship.
He emphasized Africa’s unique advantage, noting that “with 1.4 billion people and 60% under the age of 25, Africa holds the key to the future of global trade and innovation.”
Citing statistics from the World Bank, he highlighted that AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty and boost incomes by $450 billion by 2035, provided African nations invest in trade missions, collaboration, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.
On Nigeria’s role, Senator Umar described the country as a “gateway for investment and innovation,” pointing to its 220 million population, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recent reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He noted that Nigeria’s fintech sector alone had attracted over $2 billion in foreign investments in the last five years.
The Senator urged African governments, businesses, and young leaders to prioritize key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure.
> “Trade is not just about goods and services; it is about the movement of ideas, opportunities, and hope,” he declared.
In closing, Senator Umar reaffirmed the Nigerian Legislature’s commitment to policies and collaborations that unlock Africa’s untapped opportunities, while challenging young Africans to lead with integrity, innovation, and service.
The 2025 JCI AMESA Summit brought together delegates from across Africa and the Middle East to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and leadership under AfCFTA.