By Oluwakemi Kindness
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has called for stronger collaboration among African central banks and development finance institutions to accelerate the continent’s economic growth, industrialisation, and climate resilience.
Cardoso delivered the charge at the Egypt 30by30 Programme hosted by the Central Bank of Egypt in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
He said Africa must pursue growth strategies that create jobs, expand opportunities, reduce poverty, and strengthen economies against global shocks.
A statement on Wednesday evening quotes Cardoso as describing the 30by30 initiative as a unifying continental ambition that reflects Africa’s shared vision for a resilient, climate-aware, and sustainable future.
According to him, the CBN remains committed to advancing green finance, strengthening risk management, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and building a financial system able not only to withstand disruptions but also to thrive.
Cardoso noted that credibility and institutional trust are essential to strengthening Africa’s financial systems.
He said ongoing reforms in Nigeria are improving macroeconomic stability and restoring confidence in the financial sector.
The CBN governor also stressed that climate risk is now a major financial risk, influencing sovereign ratings, capital costs, inflation, food systems, insurance markets, and fiscal health.
He highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions, while pointing out the continent’s major opportunities in renewable energy, biodiversity, demographic advantage, and rapidly evolving financial markets.
He added that Africa can unlock these opportunities through deliberate, transparent, and coordinated action across countries and institutions.
Cardoso’s message underscored a defining priority for the continent: building financial systems anchored on stability, sustainability, and collective resilience.
