By Raji Rasak
Lagos – Mr Joel Chimhanda, the Founder, JC Capital, South Africa, on Thursday advised African leaders to work toward regional integration.
Chimhanda gave the advice at the “Innovention Series 6.0 Edition’’ organised by Verdant Zeal Group in Lagos.
Theme of the event is: “How Technology is Driving Africa’s New Narrative.”
According to him, regional integration is non-negotiable.
“African leaders should enter into agreement with each other to upgrade cooperation through institutions and rules, while those leading should work together with their counterparts.
“African leaders should not sign any bilateral deal with China, India, America and Brazil.
“The law is the basis for contract and if we do not have the same law, they will always beat us every time and they will end up at the international tribunal.
“They can’t do a deal in Africa and sign it in English Law, or do a deal in Nigeria and sign the deal in America Law.
“African deal should be signed in African continent and American deal sign on America land,” he said.
Chimhanda advised the recognised African leaders to work with others to promote regional economic growth.
“Those African countries that meet the terms of world investment should be allowed to lead in the region to promote investments.
“Nigerian Government should work with the Ghanaian and Senegalese Governments because Ghana and Senegal are acceptable investment destination, while Nigeria is not.
“So that at the end of the day, the regional economic growth will be given a chance,” he said.
The Convener, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, also the Executive Vice-Chairman, Verdant Zeal Group, said that Africa was gradually moving from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Olugbodi said that this had impacted on the youths, as many of them above average, have exposure to the Internet, sharing ideas, contents and commercial opportunities.
According to him, the event is to provide pragmatic ways of helping Africa’s young, yet vulnerable population, to gain the requisite skills to lift themselves out of poverty.
He said that it would also enable them to participate in the global economy now being dictated by technology.