Vladimir Putin urges African nations to tap into high-tech cross-border payment systems independent of Western rails
Speaking at the third Russia-Africa summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited African countries to join modern, sovereign payment systems such as A7, promising cut-off-proof settlements in digital and traditional currencies alongside ultra-low fees.
Vice President Kashim Shettima called on investors and financial institutions to provide early funding for African creative businesses, stating that the sector has the potential to become a major source of global companies, employment and economic growth. At the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 in Lagos, Shettima urged investors to back African creative companies early and urged creatives to convert their international recognition into commercial agreements.
He challenged them to pursue distribution contracts, investment commitments and partnerships, emphasizing that the world was ready to pay for their creations. Shettima also highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection, financing opportunities and creative trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The African Export-Import Bank committed 540 million, and Nigeria approved its first national intellectual property policy and strategy.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment disclosed that the Federal Government would unlock over $600 million in financing for digital and creative enterprises. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the creative economy's potential for youth employment and export earnings, urging creators to register and protect their work.
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