Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan spoke about the rapid development and growing importance of the African continent during the SPIEF plenary session on Friday.

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi has called for responsible resource management and greater investment in African-led research to drive the continent's development.

Kapofi said this during the launch of the Security, Resource Control and Democracy in Africa book.

The Alternate Co-Chair of the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, has urged accelerated financial closure and implementation of water projects across the continent, noting that Africa already has viable, bankable initiatives awaiting funding.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on African governments to mainstream the creative industry in their national development plans, emphasising the growing value of African creativity and culture as key drivers of economic transformation.

Mauritania’s candidate, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, has been elected as President of the African Development Bank, taking over from Akinwumi Adesina.