The inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit 2023 commenced on Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with significant expectations.
African leaders gathered for this summit, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Gabonese interim President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, among others.
The leaders were warmly welcomed by Riyadh Deputy Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport.
The primary objectives of the inaugural Saudi-Africa summit include enhancing political coordination, addressing regional security threats, promoting economic transformation through research, local development of new energy solutions, and fostering investment cooperation.
In terms of trade, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and African countries reached $20 billion in 2023, with exports representing $14 billion and imports accounting for $5.8 billion.
The summit aims to further strengthen these economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration between Saudi Arabia and African nations.
