Mahdi Haliru

Africa exports raw cotton at between $1,000 to $2,000 per ton... but imports finished textiles at a whopping $50,000 to $70,000 per ton.
Nigeria alone imports over $4 billion worth of textiles annually, while the local value chain remains largely underutilized. In 2023, Nigeria exported approximately 12,000 tons of cotton while earning just around $18 million. That same volume in finished textiles is worth over $600 million and could potentially unlock over 550,000 jobs. These were some of the eye-opening insights shared at the AFREXIM Bank Annual Meetings held last week in Abuja. I had the privilege to participate and exchange ideas with brilliant minds reimagining Africa’s industrial future.

One key highlight was the impressive work of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP). They’ve embarked in a bold African-led initiative focused on value addition and supported by Afrexim Bank. Their approach to building integrated industrial ecosystems across the continent is a game-changer.

Its a clear message, Africa must stop exporting raw wealth and importing finished poverty. The continent is rising and the future belongs to those who create, transform, and own their value chains.

Singapore’s entire land area is 10 times smaller than the size of Abuja. Nigeria as a whole is 1,260 times larger and is blessed with natural attractions, cultural diversity, wildlife, beaches, historical sites, game reserves, and more.

Yet, in Singapore attracts over $20 billion in tourism revenue annually, despite having no wildlife, no cultural festivals, no forests, no game reserves, and no natural wonders. They built everything from scratch: modern architecture, artificial attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and Marina Bay Sands. They turned their small size into an asset. With vision, planning, and political will, they made themselves a top global destination.

What’s stopping us?

Nigeria has it all. Be it Obudu, Zuma Rock, Erin Ijesha, Kano Durbar, Ijebu Festival, Durbar, Yankari Reserve, the music scene, Nollywood, and more. But we lack the infrastructure, safety, and consistent policy to unlock their full potential.

And yes, even Singapore is not perfect.. but they made the most of what they had. That’s all it takes: vision, commitment, and leadership.

🚨 VACANCY: Investment Officer at African Development Bank
📍 Location: Abuja, Nigeria

An opportunity to join the African Development Bank!

💼 Minimum Requirements:

- A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

- At least 6 years of professional experience in corporate/project finance, investment banking, consulting, or private equity/venture capital, preferably within the African context

Candidates with experience in agricultural and rural finance are highly encouraged to apply!

🔗 Application link in the comments' section!

The Trump administration is punishing Harvard University for refusing to suppress pro-Palestinian voices on campus in order to appease Zionist interests. The administration's froze $2.4 billion in federal research funding to the university... The GDP of Lesotho, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, and Seychelles are all below $2.4 billion. This means that the amount is higher than the entire annual economic output of these nations.

Trump's action is not just about Harvard. It’s about punishing free speech and crippling the pursuit of solutions to global challenges. These funding supports research on cancer, heart disease, drug development, and much more.

To make matters worse, the administration has also threatened a ban on admitting international students. This move undermines the global exchange of ideas, silences diverse voices, and weakens America’s leadership in science and innovation.

Silencing campuses shouldn’t come at the cost of saving lives. America must choose truth and progress over politics and suppression.