Buhari departs Abuja for African Finance Summit in France

The summit will review the African economy, following shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and getting relief, especially from the increasing debt burden on countries.

During the four-day trip, Buhari will also meet with Emmanuel Macron, president of France.

Buhari and Macron are expected to discuss the growing security threats in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, climate change, economic ties, political relations, partnership to improve Nigeria’s health sector and contain the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement on Saturday, the presidency had said the summit will also be “focused on reviewing African economy, following shocks from coronavirus pandemic and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries”.

“Before returning to Nigeria, President Buhari will receive some key players in the oil and gas sector, engineering and telecommunications, European Council and European Union Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Commission, and members of the Nigerian community,” the statement said.

Major stakeholders in the global financial institutions and some heads of government are expected to attend the summit.