Ex-Sierra Leone President Koroma: Nigeria Bears Historic Duty to Lead Africa's Advancement
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has emphatically stated that Nigeria carries a profound historic responsibility to drive Africa's economic and technological progress forward. Speaking at Flutterwave's prestigious 10th anniversary Gala Night held at The Delborough Lagos, Koroma declared that Nigeria's successes inevitably shape the destiny of the entire African continent.
Flutterwave's Growth as Continental Achievement
Koroma described the remarkable growth of Nigerian fintech giant Flutterwave as a continental achievement rather than merely a Nigerian milestone. The African leader emphasized that innovation emerging from Nigeria creates powerful ripple effects across ECOWAS and the wider African region, demonstrating how Nigerian advancements benefit neighboring nations and the continent as a whole.
"Out of every four black people in the world, one is a Nigerian. If Nigeria gets it right, it will affect all of us," Koroma stated, underscoring the demographic and economic weight Nigeria holds within Africa. He stressed that Nigeria's position gives it unique influence over Africa's collective future.
Mentorship from Nigerian Leadership
Reflecting on his personal leadership journey, Koroma credited former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo with providing crucial mentorship and political support that significantly influenced his presidency in Sierra Leone. He noted that the lessons learned from Obasanjo contributed to what he described as a "remarkable impact" during his own tenure as Sierra Leone's leader.
Koroma also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commending the state's vital role as a hub for enterprise and innovation that supports continental progress. He highlighted how Lagos serves as an engine for African economic development through its support of companies like Flutterwave.
Financial Inclusion and Global Competitiveness
The former Sierra Leonean president emphasized that moments like Flutterwave's anniversary offer tangible proof that Africa is capable of achieving global competitiveness. He stressed that Africa is currently navigating a complex and unpredictable geopolitical environment but expressed optimism that homegrown companies demonstrate concrete steps toward achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision.
Koroma noted that Flutterwave's expansion beyond Nigeria into international markets signals deeper financial inclusion across Africa. He explained that digital payment platforms are helping address long-standing challenges including limited financial access, cross-border transaction barriers, and trust deficits within Africa's financial systems.
Celebrating African Innovation Globally
"This is not a small occasion," Koroma declared, urging Africans to celebrate and project such achievements on global platforms, including at multilateral institutions. He argued that African innovation must no longer be understated, insisting that the continent has the capacity not only to meet global standards but to compete at the highest international levels.
Concluding his remarks, the former Sierra Leonean leader congratulated Flutterwave founder and Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola, expressing confidence that the company's first decade marks just the beginning of even greater continental and international influence.
Obasanjo's Praise for Flutterwave Founder
Earlier at the same event, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Olugbenga Agboola, popularly known as GB, for his exceptional ability to identify and maximize economic opportunities. Obasanjo described Flutterwave as Africa's largest and most influential fintech company, highlighting the importance of recognizing and acting on opportunity as a defining factor in entrepreneurial success.
Obasanjo made these remarks while delivering a speech at Flutterwave's 10th-anniversary gala, an event marking a decade of significant growth in digital financial services across Africa and beyond. The former president noted that Agboola exemplified the quality of seizing opportunities that has driven Flutterwave's remarkable expansion across 36 countries with over $50 billion in processed transactions.
