President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the people of Africa to liberate their thinking to harness the enormous resources in the continent.

The President said though most of Africa gained independence as states more than five decades ago, many were yet to liberate their thinking.

He said majority of Africans still look for outside help when they live in the richest content in the world.

The President said the resource in the people’s potential was even more valuable than the resources Africa owns.

“Our focus should shift: We have a great resource in the potential in our people.  We need to tap into the talents of our people,” he said.

He also said that African governments should utilise the potential of their women and youth and give more say to its people.

The President cited Kenya’s example where the youth and women are increasingly getting a bigger say in the running of the affairs of the country.

“My government now has more women in key government positions including the Foreign Ministry, Defence and Land. One third of Parliamentarians in both houses of Parliament are women. We have continued to engage the youth who are now at the centre of decision making,” he said.

President Kenyatta said Africa’s salvation lies in trading with each other even as the content build links with other parts of the world.

“I believe our potential as Africans, lies in integration and trading with each other. This is the focus we have for Kenya,” said the Head of State.

The President was speaking at the Africa Rising forum where he was a chief guest and a panelist. 

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanon Ghenreyesus, Gunilla Carlsson (Former Minister for International Development Cooperation, Sweden) and Christopher Coons (US Senator, State of Delaware and Chair Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs. Artists Angelique Kidjo was also part of the panel.

The event was moderated Mo Ibrahim (Chairman Mo Ibrahim Foundation) and Amina J. Mohammed (special advisor to the Secretary-General).