The Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, Rui Duarte Barros, advocated for strengthened cooperation between the public and private sectors at the Choiseul Africa Business Forum. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and the need to deepen economic relations with Morocco to promote sustainable development in Africa.
With fervor, Barros called for increased cooperation between African public and private sectors to drive sustainable development during the Choiseul Africa Business Forum, held on November 1-2 in Marrakech under the theme: "Building Winning and Sustainable Strategies Together: The Driving Role of the Private Sector and Public Sector Cooperation." In his speech, the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau highlighted the crucial role of the private sector as a driving force of the African economy and a key player in job creation. He stated that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential for mobilizing resources in infrastructure and public services, leveraging the expertise and efficiency of the private sector. "This cooperation is the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development," he declared with conviction.
The Prime Minister also spoke on the importance of Africa's youth, which he described as a "dynamic force" for the continent's future. In his view, "Africa is no longer seen merely as a developing continent but as a rapidly transforming market rich with promising opportunities.” He explained that this vision must guide our collective resolve to transform our continent into a land of opportunities. Thus, he urged African leaders to place youth at the heart of economic policies by investing in their education and vocational training. "The potential of African youth is immense, and to harness it, we must develop new skills tailored to the realities of the job market," he emphasized.
AfCFTA: A Platform for African Growth and Integration
Barros also underscored the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver for a common market facilitating intra-African trade. "We firmly believe that we must leverage the synergies and opportunities offered by the ongoing intra-continental process to institutionalize a common market for business in Africa,” he noted.
According to him, this economic framework, aimed at reducing transaction costs, could attract more foreign investment, thereby stimulating local economies' growth. "It’s about transforming Africa into a land of shared growth and opportunity," he declared, stressing that regional integration will boost Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.
Advancing the Green and Blue Economy for Guinea-Bissau
For the Prime Minister, enhancing human capital and improving access to social services (health, education, social protection, sanitation, and vocational training) must be top priorities due to their impact on economic competitiveness. He also stated that for Guinea-Bissau, a small island nation, "the transition to a green and blue economy is crucial for strengthening resilience. By promoting growth centered on rational resource management, the country seeks to ensure sustainability in the face of climate and economic challenges." Barros reaffirmed his government’s commitment to support programs that enhance competitiveness and openness to international trade.
Strengthening Relations with Morocco
Prime Minister Rui Duarte Barros highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between Morocco and Guinea-Bissau, emphasizing the need to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. He noted that Morocco, as the host country, plays a key role in promoting strategic partnerships and investment opportunities, thereby contributing to sustainable development and the collective prosperity of the African continent. This collaboration, he said, is essential to turn the aspirations of the private sector into concrete actions and to build resilient and inclusive economic systems.
In conclusion, Rui Duarte Barros reiterated his hope for Africa to thrive through effective public-private cooperation. He remains convinced that "the sustainability of our economies depends on our ability to work together,” reminding that Africa’s future rests on an inclusive growth model, where every economic actor and citizen can contribute and prosper.