The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has pledged to support Nigeria with economic and investment data to strengthen policy planning, improve investor confidence, and drive ongoing reforms.
Senior OECD officials made the commitment during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026.
OECD Commends Tinubu’s Reforms
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, discussions focused on possible cooperation between Nigeria and the OECD.
The partnership will target reforms in public finance, trade competitiveness, investment facilitation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, solid minerals, and MSME development.
OECD Deputy Secretary-General, Frantisek Ruzicka, praised Tinubu’s economic reforms and expressed support for the administration’s agenda.
“We support and understand the pillars of your reforms. I think other leaders should learn from you, especially in improving public finances and working conditions,” Ruzicka said.
He added that the OECD remained ready to partner with Nigeria on key reform priorities.
Tinubu Calls for Better Perception of Africa
The meeting also focused on investor confidence, risk perception about Africa, and strategies to attract long-term investments into the continent.
President Tinubu stressed the need to change global narratives surrounding Africa’s investment environment.
“Africa’s risk perception must change. Africa must be disciplined and accountable over various projects,” Tinubu stated.
He added that Nigeria welcomes structured cooperation with the OECD to support ongoing reforms.
President Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
According to him, the policies were difficult but necessary for national growth.
“The removal of the subsidy was necessary. There was a fight back. Easy access is hard to give up. Even the multiple exchange rates had to go,” the President said.
“I have come to serve my people, not to benefit a few,” he added.
Focus on Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, MSMEs
Tinubu stressed the importance of developing value chains across Africa, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
He said African countries must move beyond exporting raw materials and focus on industrialisation and regional production systems.
The meeting also explored opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Discussions covered regional trade integration, support for small businesses, and strategies to help African firms compete in global markets.
Key Areas of Cooperation Identified
Both parties identified several sectors for future cooperation, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- MSMEs and regional industrialisation
- Agriculture and value-chain development
- Investment promotion
- Solid minerals
- Tax-to-GDP reforms
The OECD also discussed investment screening mechanisms and policy engagement frameworks designed to improve financing access and support investor decision-making.
Africa CEO Forum Continues in Kigali
President Tinubu is currently attending the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The forum has brought together African leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss economic reforms, regional integration, and investment opportunities across the continent.
