Africa 2014: Top quotes

The 24th World Economic Forum on Africa is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria bringing together regional and global leaders to discuss innovative structural reforms and investments that can sustain the continent’s growth while creating jobs and prosperity for all its citizens.

China and Africa face many similar problems and share the same task of growing the economy, raising living standards and promoting social progress.

 Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, in his Special Address

The African continent is rising. We must ensure that our poorer and vulnerable neighbours are carried along. We must ensure this growth is inclusive. We must ensure there is maximum inclusiveness through creating opportunities for people to create opportunities for themselves.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of Nigeria, in his Special Address

Despite all the issues, media reports and facts, more than 1,000 people from over 70 countries have assembled here. This is a sign of the confidence we all have in this great country. We cannot allow terrorism to dictate our agenda.

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum

Economic growth is impossible without healthy people.

Awa Marie Coll Seck, Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal, in Investing in Health

Africa is an article of faith. I believe in this continent.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum on Africa

Social development vulnerabilities are the Achilles heel of “Africa rising”.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance of Nigeria, in Africa Rising

Africa represents our fastest-growing region in the world. If you want to be relevant, you need to be in this part of the world.

Dominic Barton is Global Managing Director of McKinsey & Company and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum on Africa

When it comes to African women, what they need is someone to believe in them.

Marieme Jamme is the Founder of SpotOne Global Solutions and a Young Global Leader

Africa has been rising for a long time. I hope we will eventually get to a point where we have risen.

Albert Kobina Essien is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational

If you engage in agriculture, you have the best chance of moving the largest number out of extreme poverty all at once.

Sipho Moyo, Director, Africa, of the The ONE Campaign