AFRPN Annual Conference Calls for Strengthened PPPs to Drive Africa’s Development
By Raymond Enoch
The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) convened its Annual Conference Lecture 2025 at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FCT Abuja. Themed Economic Liberation Through PPP (Private Public Partnership): A Catalyst Against Neo-Colonialism in Africa.
The event brought together esteemed diplomats, policymakers, and development experts to deliberate on the role of PPPs in Africa’s socio-economic growth.
In his welcome address, AFRPN President, Ambassador Gani Lawal, underscored the significance of the conference, emphasizing the need for issue-based solutions to Africa’s developmental challenges. He commended the attendees for their commitment to addressing the economic future of the continent through robust public-private partnerships.
Chairman of the event, H.E. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, highlighted the ever-evolving global landscape and the challenges facing Africa, particularly the recent exit of AES countries from the ECOWAS.
He lamented the increasing use of digital technology by coup plotters and urged stakeholders to strengthen regional institutions, including the Standby Force, as a necessary step toward stability. “This is where the opportunity for PPPs lies,” he asserted, calling for proactive engagement to harness their full potential.
Chief Host and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, lauded AFRPN for utilizing their diplomatic expertise to benefit society. She stressed the importance of forums like this in fostering cooperation between businesses and governments. “Discussions like these provide a framework for strategic partnerships and fresh ideas that are crucial for Africa’s economic prosperity,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote speech, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance, Kigali, provided a comparative analysis of development strategies adopted by nations such as Japan and China. He identified policy gaps impeding Africa’s progress and proposed PPPs as a viable solution to bridge these deficiencies. He further introduced the programs of the African School of Governance, designed to promote sustainable growth and policy innovation in Africa.
His Royal Highness, Khalifa Mohammed Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, who gracee the occasion, commended the organizers and expressed confidence in Prof. Moghalu’s ability to offer a well-balanced perspective on the subject. He emphasized that the conference was both timely and crucial to Africa’s economic discourse.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, a senior military official reiterated the significance of AFRPN’s contribution to Nigeria’s foreign policy. He described the conference as timely, given Nigeria’s current crossroads, and urged participants to advocate for an inclusive society that fosters national and regional growth.
During the panel discussion, Ambassador Bagudu M. Hirse stressed the importance of political stability, calling on the African Union Commission (AUC) to play a more active role in ensuring peace across the continent. “Without stability, the success of PPPs will remain elusive,” he warned.
Ambassador John Ejinaka delivered the vote of thanks, expressing AFRPN’s deep gratitude to all speakers, guests, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the 2025 Annual Conference and Lecture.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships as a strategic tool for Africa’s economic liberation and sustainable development.
