Transforming Poverty Relief into Economic Opportunities

At the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit held in Abuja, stakeholders, including former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Patrick Achi, called on African leaders to convert poverty relief efforts into lasting economic opportunities. Achi warned against making poverty alleviation programs permanent substitutes for economic growth, stressing that sustainable pathways out of poverty must focus on economic productivity that generates wealth, jobs, and opportunities.

Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, highlighted the gender dimension of inclusion, advocating for increased female representation in decision-making roles. Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), pointed out the need for effective implementation of policies designed to benefit marginalized groups.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized the necessity of shifting women from being mere beneficiaries to owners of productive assets, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance women's access to resources.