Renowned philanthropists, Bill Gates, Mo Ibrahim and Aliko Dangote, at the Africa Center, expressed concern over the effect of climate change and the stereotypes on Africa that have hindered business opportunities in the continent.
Deliberating on the Future Business in Africa, the three entrepreneurs said the climate change is an issue that must be confronted headlong to minimize its effect on the continent.
African heads of state, business leaders and celebrities, including supermodel Naomi Campbell, were in attendance.
Bill Gates brought up the challenge of climate change saying “Africa is where we are going to meet some of our toughest challenges. Sadly, the impact climate change, although Africa had the least to do to cause climate change. The actual difficulties will first be felt by the farmers of Africa,” he said.
He asked rhetorically, “Why is the continent where the availability of the labour is the highest, where the availability of land is the highest, where the production per hectare is the lowest, why can’t it move not only to be self-sufficient but also to be a net exporter
Aliko Dangote spoke about Africa’s rising wealth. He said: “Today when you look at it you are thinking about the five fastest-growing economies in the world – four are in Sub Saharan Africa.”
