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Li Keqiang

ABUJA. – The 24th edition of the World Economic Forum on Africa ended on Saturday in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, which brought together close to 1 000 regional and global leaders, was centred on the theme of forging inclusive growth and creating jobs for Africa’s growing population. The conference began on Wednesday. Here are some of the more memorable quotes from Thursday’s plenary and brainstorming sessions:

“Africa is an article of faith. I believe in this continent.” –  Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel.
“Nowhere in the world do you get the kind of returns you get in Africa.” –  Olabisi Onasanya, Group chief executive, First Bank of Nigeria.
“Africa is going through growing pains, but the potential is great.” –  Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties.

“This is the right time for anyone to come and invest into Africa.” – Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, group chief, First Bank of Nigeria.
“Africa’s rise will make the world more stable, more democratic, more robust.” –  Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

“Africa’s people have taken their destiny into their own hands.” – China’s Li Keqiang.
“Don’t be afraid to invest in Africa.” –  Jean-François van Boxmeer, chairman of the Board and chief executive of Heineken International.
“Africa has been rising for a long time. I hope we will eventually get to a point where we have risen.” – Albert Kobina Essien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational.

“As the economies of Africa grow, progressive businesses will grow with them.” –  Jean-Francois van Boxmer, chairman of the board and chief executive of Heineken International.

“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, global managing director of McKinsey & Company.