African Leaders Urged to Tackle Brain Drain and Boost Intra-Continental Cooperation

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has called on African leaders to make concerted efforts to address the brain drain plaguing the continent. Speaking at a dinner in his honour in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, President Tinubu emphasized the need for strategic and deliberate efforts to stem tribalism, reward performance, and reform archaic judicial systems.

The Nigerian President urged African leaders to encourage research and development, provide appropriate rewards, and focus on finding solutions among themselves. He stressed that development in Africa would begin when the continent starts to look inward for solutions, rather than relying on external assistance.

Tinubu’s comments came as he met with President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, with whom he signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline project. The Nigerian President praised his host for the invitation to visit Malabo, describing the gathering as a significant milestone in the history of Africa.

Tinubu emphasized the need for African leaders to promote peace and stability throughout the continent, particularly in areas such as the Congo and the Sahel, where long-standing conflicts persist. He urged collective action to achieve sustainable peace and development, stating that "without peace, we cannot have development."

In his remarks, President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s acceptance of his invitation and hailed the country’s potential and experience as the largest economy in Africa. He called for greater collaboration and solidarity between the two nations, citing their historical relationship and shared interests in areas such as education, mining, and security.

The meeting between the two leaders comes at a time when Africa is facing significant challenges, including brain drain, conflict, and economic instability. President Tinubu’s calls for intra-continental cooperation and peace are likely to resonate with other African leaders, who are grappling with similar issues.

The visit to Equatorial Guinea marks the latest in a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements by President Tinubu, who has been advocating for a stronger and more united Africa.