Dangote advocates unity, cooperation among Africans for global recognition

Afreximbank launches centralised payment, settlement infrastructure platform for intra- African trade

PRESIDENT of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has charged African leaders and citizens to be united in promotion of the continent’s intrinsic greatness through improved trade relations among African countries.

He disclosed this at the formal launch of the Pan- African Payment and Settlement System ( PAPSS), which is a centralised payment and settlement infrastructure platform for intra- African trade and commerce payments, in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

He urged Africans to close ranks to propel the continent towards charting her own course, becoming the master of her destiny, and maintaining her rightful position on the globe.

Dangote, who was represented by Group Managing Director of Dangote Industries Limited ( DIL), Olakunle Alake, lauded the African Union, under the auspices of Afreximbank, for the launch of PAPSS, which he noted was aimed at facilitating payments across the continent.

He asserted that improved trade relations would greatly enhance speed of recovery across Africa, noting that it has the potential to boost the level of economic activities through intra- Africa trade. He also remarked that the advent of PAPSS would greatly address challenges such as: high- cost, lengthy correspondent banking relationships, delays, among many others, and therefore ease transactions among businesses across Africa.

He equally expressed optimism that PAPSS would enhance the volume of trade among countries, which were hitherto not recorded or were overlooked because of the informal approach towards these transactions. According to him, these were

now captured to reflect the correct or, at least, close to the appropriate position of trading activities within the continent, while also boosting the level of economic activities across the continent.

Dangote noted the enormous potential and benefits of PAPSS, but nevertheless warned that such projects have teething issues. He, therefore, urged regulators and participants across the continent to look bey ond such operational challenges and ensure successful implementation of PAPSS.

PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ATEKO Board Chairman, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Kabir Nakaura ( left); National Secretary, Integrated Supporters for Osinbajo ( ISO), Chief Michael Ojo; Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojodu, and National Coordinator, Integrated Supporters for Osinbajo, Otunba Odewale, during the ISO delegation meeting with Ojodu, calling on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to run for the 2023 general election, in Abuja, at the weekend.