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Stakeholders in business, security and regional development have identified insecurity as the greatest obstacle to sustainable development across Africa, insisting that no nation can attract meaningful investment or achieve economic growth without guaranteeing the safety of lives and property.
They stressed that while governments have the primary responsibility of securing their countries, the fight against insecurity requires the active participation of citizens through vigilance, intelligence sharing and patriotism.
The stakeholders spoke during the Tarj Forum Trade Fair and Awards Series organised by the West African Regional Magazine and the African Regional Journal at the Ibis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers and distinguished personalities from several African countries to celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship, agriculture, food production and regional integration.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Tarj Forum and Trade Fair, Rosette Aliu Squah, a Nigerian married to a Ghanaian, described insecurity as a major threat to the continent’s development. She said no nation could attain food security or economic prosperity when farmers were constantly under attack by bandits and criminal groups.
“Insecurity destroys every nation. No matter how great a country is, it cannot grow when farmers are afraid to cultivate their lands because of attacks by bandits and other criminal elements,” she said.
According to her, governments across Africa must intensify efforts to tackle insecurity through stronger law enforcement, improved surveillance and strict enforcement of the rule of law.
“I do not support negotiating with terrorists or integrating them into society. Doing so only encourages criminality. Those responsible for acts of terrorism should face the full weight of the law so that others will learn from it,” she stated.
Squah acknowledged that governments had recorded successes in some areas but maintained that security remained one of the critical sectors requiring greater attention.
“There are areas where governments are doing well and there are areas that require improvement. Rather than merely criticising, we should also provide practical solutions. Security must be strengthened. Surveillance cameras should be installed where necessary, security personnel should be visible and corruption must be decisively tackled,” she said.
She also advocated stronger support for locally made products, saying Africa possesses enormous production capacity that remains underappreciated.
“I strongly believe in promoting Made-in-Africa products. We have quality products across the continent, but unfortunately we often value foreign goods above our own. We must change that mindset.”
She explained that the West African Regional Magazine had spent over two decades promoting African businesses and encouraging regional economic cooperation.
According to her, the annual forum provides a platform for discussing issues affecting the continent while promoting networking, investment and collaboration among African businesses.
She disclosed that this year’s forum focused on reviewing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and assessing progress towards achieving “The Africa We Want.”
“We want an Africa that supports its people, encourages free movement, removes unnecessary trade barriers and promotes intra-African trade. The more business we do among ourselves, the stronger our economies and currencies will become.”
She condemned xenophobia and military coups on the continent, insisting that democracy, respect for the rule of law and good governance remain the foundation for sustainable development.
“We should listen to the voices of the people. Leaders should never ignore legitimate concerns. Democracy should prevail, votes should count and governments must remain accountable.”
The Pan-Africanist also announced plans to establish a Made-in-Africa Mall in Abuja before the end of the year as part of efforts to create a continental marketplace for African products.
She said the pilot project would later expand to countries including Kenya, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa with the support of investors already committed to the initiative.
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Squah urged African youths, particularly young women, to reject human trafficking, prostitution and false promises of greener opportunities abroad.
She advised them to acquire education and vocational skills instead of falling victim to traffickers.
“Your life is precious. Don’t allow anyone to deceive you with fake job offers or promises on social media. Build your mind, acquire skills and become somebody through legitimate means.”
On women in leadership, she argued that Africa would continue to lag behind if qualified women were denied leadership opportunities.
“We must stop limiting women to traditional roles. If a woman has the competence and leadership qualities, she should be given the opportunity to serve. Africa needs more women in leadership because together, men and women can build stronger societies.”
One of the award recipients, Rwandan business mogul and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sina Gérard Enterprise, Dr. Sina Gérard, also identified security as the foundation of development.
He described the protection of lives and property as the greatest achievement any government could record.
“What Africa needs most is security and an enabling environment. Once there is peace, businesses will flourish. Investors only invest where people feel safe,” he said.
The entrepreneur said his organisation operates factories, schools and agricultural projects across Rwanda while providing free education for over 2,500 children from vulnerable families.
He noted that his company produces products including Akabanga chilli oil, banana wine, passion fruit juice and beetroot juice, while promoting agriculture among young people.
According to him, Africa possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of transforming the continent if governments provide visionary leadership and adequate security.
“What businessmen need is good leadership and security. Africa has the talent and resources to compete globally. With the right support, we can achieve remarkable development.”
He also urged African governments to prioritise the education of the girl-child.
“When you educate a girl-child, you educate an entire nation. Every female child deserves access to quality education and equal opportunities to compete with her male counterparts.”
Dr. Gérard further called on African entrepreneurs to strengthen business partnerships across the continent and support less privileged members of society.
“I sincerely appreciate the organisers for recognising my contributions. This award will encourage me to do even more for Africa.”
Also speaking, renowned Rwandan television broadcaster Belgine Bizinana, who received an award for promoting Made-in-Africa products, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I never knew people were watching what I have been doing. This award has inspired me to do even more in promoting African businesses and products,” he said.
Bizinana described Rwanda as one of Africa’s safest destinations for investment, saying the country welcomes investors irrespective of nationality.
“There is no xenophobia in Rwanda. We welcome everyone. Rwanda is a good place to do business and I invite Nigerians and other Africans to come and invest. Your safety is guaranteed,” he said.
