At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali last week, Bio Usawa CEO Dr. Menghis Bairu attended a presidential panel that tackled a question central to Africa’s economic future: Can African Turn Continental Alliances into Assets?

Moderated by renowned journalist Zeinab Badawi, the discussion brought together President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon for a candid exchange on industrial policy, trade, financial independence, and the hard decisions required to move African economies beyond the export of raw materials.

The conversation revolved around accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), building African industrial champions, refining and transforming resources locally, strengthening domestic financial institutions, and reducing dependence on external systems that continue to define Africa through the interests of others.

For Bio Usawa, such conversations matter because they connect directly to the future of African industry, scientific capacity, and health sovereignty. Building globally competitive sectors on the continent will require more than vision. It will require strong institutions, long-term investment, regional coordination, and the confidence to build at scale.