₦airaland Forum

By Samuel Shay; enterpeneur and special economic advisor for the Abraham Accord

Due to the growing instability in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, the world is beginning to understand how dangerous it is to rely on narrow maritime chokepoints and conflict zones for energy supply. The blocking of straits, attacks on ships, and geopolitical threats have turned oil and gas supply into a strategic weapon. In this reality, a historic window of opportunity has opened for Africa to become the world’s stable energy alternative.

Africa is not only a resource-rich continent, but a continent that can become the energy center of the world. Countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Senegal, Ghana, and Tanzania hold some of the largest oil and gas reserves in the world. If African countries act together, they can supply a very large share of the energy consumption of Europe, Asia, and other global markets.

The main problem of Africa is not resources, but lack of coordination, lack of trust, and lack of shared infrastructure. The world is not only looking for oil and gas, but for stability, reliability, continuous supply, secure shipping routes, and infrastructure investment. For Africa to become a major energy supplier, it must present a united front of countries committed to stable and continuous supply for decades.

To achieve this, African countries must implement several strategic steps:

First – Establish an African Energy Alliance.

A joint organization of African oil and gas countries that will coordinate production, pricing, investments, and infrastructure, similar in concept to OPEC but broader and including gas-producing countries.

Second – Build new transportation infrastructure.

Oil and gas pipelines from North Africa to Europe, LNG facilities in West and East Africa, new ports, and export terminals that will allow continuous supply even during crises in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf.

Third – Establish an African Energy Investment Fund.

A joint fund with the United States, Europe, Gulf countries, and China to finance infrastructure, refineries, LNG facilities, power plants, and logistics infrastructure.

Fourth – Long-term supply agreements.

Africa should sign 20–30 year supply contracts with Europe, India, China, and Japan, turning Africa into a permanent energy supplier rather than an occasional supplier.

Fifth – Secure maritime routes.

Naval cooperation between African countries to protect shipping routes in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to ensure continuous supply.

If Africa acts in unity, it can become within 10–15 years the largest energy hub in the world. The world is looking for a stable alternative to the Middle East, and Africa can become that alternative.

The big question is not whether Africa has resources.

The real question is whether Africa has the leadership that can unite, cooperate, and build trust between the countries of the continent in order to become the energy power of the world.

The future global energy map may pass through Africa.

But for that to happen, Africa must think and act as a unified bloc, not as separate countries.

Timi Frank Urges African Leaders to Adopt Pragmatic Peacebuilding Lessons from Abraham Accords



Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on African leaders to draw strategic lessons from the Abraham Accords, arguing that peace, economic integration and global relevance can be advanced through pragmatic cooperation even when political disputes remain unresolved.

Frank, who made the call in a statement while outlining a policy brief titled “The Abraham Accords and Africa: Strategic Lessons for Peace, Integration, and Global Relevance,” said the Middle East agreements initiated in 2020 marked a departure from traditional conflict resolution models by prioritising practical cooperation over the settlement of all historical grievances.

He explained that the Abraham Accords are a set of agreements brokered by the United States in 2020 that established diplomatic normalisation between Israel and several Arab states, which marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

According to him, although the accords are geographically distant from Africa, their underlying principles offer timely guidance for a continent grappling with protracted conflicts in the Sahel, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa.

“Peace should be treated as an evolving process, not a final settlement,” Frank said. “Waiting for perfect political conditions before engagement often deepens conflict rather than resolves it.”
He noted that many African conflicts persist because dialogue is tied to rigid preconditions that are difficult to meet, stressing that early engagement and incremental cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, trade and security can serve as confidence-building measures.

Frank, who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA,
said the Abraham Accords demonstrated that diplomatic engagement need not be delayed until all disputes are resolved, adding that cooperation itself can help to stabilise fragile regions.

“The experience of the Abraham Accords reinforces a simple but important lesson for Africa: peace does not have to wait for perfect conditions to begin,” he said.

On economic integration, the former APC spokesperson, pointed to the rapid expansion of economic ties among the signatory states as one of the most tangible outcomes of the accords.

He argued that Africa is well positioned to replicate this logic through accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Regional trade, shared infrastructure projects and joint investments can reduce tensions by creating mutual benefits and lowering the incentives for conflict,” he said, adding that AfCFTA should be treated not only as a commercial framework but also as an instrument of stability.

Frank also highlighted the security implications for Africa, noting that instability in the Middle East has historically affected the continent through terrorism, arms trafficking and migration pressures.

He said reduced regional tensions weaken extremist networks with transnational reach and called for stronger Africa-led security cooperation.

“Africa benefits from a multipolar world with fewer conflict flashpoints,” he said, urging enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and early warning mechanisms in line with the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.

On diplomacy, Frank said the Abraham Accords reflected a shift towards interest-driven engagement rather than ideological alignment, a model African states should adopt.

He called for balanced, non-aligned foreign policies that prioritise technology transfer, food security, water management and renewable energy.

“Africa must position itself as a pragmatic global actor, not a passive participant,” he said.

While acknowledging the gains of the accords, Frank cautioned that unresolved political grievances remain and warned that economic cooperation should not replace inclusive political dialogue.

“Africa must balance pragmatism with its historic commitment to justice, self-determination and international law,” he said.

He outlined three core policy directions for African leaders: prioritising early engagement over prolonged stalemates, using economic integration as a peace tool, and pursuing interest-driven diplomacy while upholding fairness and inclusion.

Frank recommended dialogue without preconditions, accelerated AfCFTA implementation, strengthened regional security cooperation, balanced foreign partnerships and people-centred peace processes aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

In conclusion, he stressed that the Abraham Accords offer Africa not a rigid template but a strategic lesson.

“With political will, practical cooperation and inclusive dialogue, African leaders can reduce conflict, strengthen unity and position the continent as a confident and credible global actor,” Frank said.

He reiterated that peace can begin even in imperfect conditions if leaders choose cooperation over prolonged stalemates.

END

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.

.....says the peace models must be fair, people-centered


Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on African leaders and the continent to embrace peace models that are realistic, fair, and people centered.

Frank, who is a Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), in USA, made the call following the adoption of Abraham Accords by the U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, which chose to push a different approach to a longstanding conflict.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Comrade Timi Frank, said the new arrangement focused on practical cooperation encouraging dialogue, trade, security collaboration, and engagement between former adversaries.

According to him, Africa understands this reality very well. Our continent has lived through conflicts that lasted decades. We know that waiting for “perfect conditions” before talking often means waiting forever. In many African countries, peace began when former enemies decided to engage, even when wounds were still fresh and trust was limited.

"One of the strongest ideas behind the Abraham Accords is that peace can grow from shared interests. When countries trade together, invest together, and solve problems together, the cost of conflict becomes higher than the benefits. Economic cooperation does not solve everything, but it creates space for dialogue and stability.

"This lesson is especially important for Africa. Poverty, unemployment, and isolation continue to fuel conflict across the continent. Where people see opportunity, hope grows. Where borders open for trade and ideas, tensions often reduce. That is why regional integration and economic cooperation remain critical for Africa’s future.

"At the same time, Africans cannot ignore questions of fairness and justice. Our history of colonialism has made us deeply sensitive to voices that are left out. Any peace effort that ignores legitimate grievances risks being fragile. True peace must eventually listen to everyone involved."

The political activist, who is also the ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) said for Africa, the lesson is not to copy the Abraham Accords, but to learn from their spirit.

"Still, the Abraham Accords remind us of an important truth: long-standing conflicts are not impossible to change. They show that courage, dialogue, and practical cooperation can break cycles of hostility that once seemed permanent.

"Peace does not always begin with perfect solutions. Sometimes, it begins with a decision to talk, to trade, and to coexist.

"In a world facing growing division, Africa should embrace peace models that are realistic, fair, and people centered. We have our own stories of resilience and reconciliation. The challenge now is to build on them and show that peace, even when imperfect, is always better than endless conflict."


Signed:
Comrade Timi Frank
Former APC Deputy Publicity Secretary.
Abuja

By Comrade Timi Frank

As an African writer, I watched the Abraham Accords with interest, even though they came from a region far from our continent. On the surface, they are about the Middle East. But beneath that, they carry lessons that matter to Africa and to the wider world.

The Abraham Accords took shape under the leadership of former and current U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, which chose to push a different approach to a longstanding conflict. Instead of waiting for every disagreement to be resolved, the process focused on practical cooperation encouraging dialogue, trade, security collaboration, and engagement between former adversaries. While many actors were involved, the political will shown at that moment helped turn an unlikely idea into reality.

Africa understands this reality very well. Our continent has lived through conflicts that lasted decades. We know that waiting for “perfect conditions” before talking often means waiting forever. In many African countries, peace began when former enemies decided to engage, even when wounds were still fresh and trust was limited.

One of the strongest ideas behind the Abraham Accords is that peace can grow from shared interests. When countries trade together, invest together, and solve problems together, the cost of conflict becomes higher than the benefits. Economic cooperation does not solve everything, but it creates space for dialogue and stability.

This lesson is especially important for Africa. Poverty, unemployment, and isolation continue to fuel conflict across the continent. Where people see opportunity, hope grows. Where borders open for trade and ideas, tensions often reduce. That is why regional integration and economic cooperation remain critical for Africa’s future.

At the same time, Africans cannot ignore questions of fairness and justice. Our history of colonialism has made us deeply sensitive to voices that are left out. Any peace effort that ignores legitimate grievances risks being fragile. True peace must eventually listen to everyone involved.

Still, the Abraham Accords remind us of an important truth: long-standing conflicts are not impossible to change. They show that courage, dialogue, and practical cooperation can break cycles of hostility that once seemed permanent.

For Africa, the lesson is not to copy the Abraham Accords, but to learn from their spirit. Peace does not always begin with perfect solutions. Sometimes, it begins with a decision to talk, to trade, and to coexist.

In a world facing growing division, Africa should embrace peace models that are realistic, fair, and people centered. We have our own stories of resilience and reconciliation. The challenge now is to build on them and show that peace, even when imperfect, is always better than endless conflict.

END

…Frank is a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress. He currently serves as ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA

Today marks an event of exceptional strategic significance in the global arena. According to published reports, United States forces acted in Venezuela, leading to the effective collapse of the regime of Nicolás Maduro. This was not merely a local regime change or a tactical enforcement action. It represents a decisive strike at the heart of one of Iran’s most important external financial and logistical ecosystems.

For years, Venezuela served as far more than a political ally of Tehran. It functioned as a strategic offshore platform through which Iran operated banking channels, front companies, gold and oil barter mechanisms, and cash transfer systems that bypassed international sanctions. The Maduro regime provided political cover, sovereign protection, and institutional cooperation that allowed these mechanisms to operate with relative continuity despite global pressure.

This process was never primarily about narcotics or oil revenues alone. Those elements were tools, not the objective. The real purpose was sustaining Iran’s regional projection of power. Venezuela became a central node in a financial pipeline that enabled Iran to move money, logistics, weapons funding, and operational resources to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, and additional proxy organizations across the Middle East and beyond. These funds underpinned recruitment, salaries, weapons procurement, intelligence activity, and political influence.

The dismantling of the Maduro regime therefore represents a near total shutdown of this channel. This is not a temporary disruption. It is a structural collapse. In practical terms, Iran’s external financing architecture has been forced backward by decades. Rebuilding such a system under current international conditions will be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, in the short to medium term.

The geopolitical implications are equally profound. Ali Khamenei operated under the assumption that public warnings and diplomatic signals from China regarding potential American action in Venezuela would translate into real deterrence. That assumption proved fundamentally incorrect. Despite rhetorical posturing, the United States moved forward without hesitation.

This moment clarifies a broader global reality. Neither Beijing nor Russia currently dictates enforcement boundaries when core American strategic interests are engaged. The operation sends a clear message about the limits of multipolar restraint and the continued ability of Washington to act unilaterally when it chooses to do so. Under Donald Trump, the White House has demonstrated that declarative threats alone do not translate into strategic veto power.

This shift has direct and immediate consequences for Iran itself. President Trump’s declaration that attacks on civilians will trigger direct American action against the ayatollah regime has altered the deterrence equation in a fundamental way. Iran can no longer rely on distance, proxies, or offshore systems to absorb pressure while avoiding accountability. The insulation layers are gone.

At this stage, the central question is no longer military. It is societal. Will the Iranian public recognize that the regime’s financial arteries have been severed, that its ability to fund repression and foreign adventures is sharply constrained, and that the external environment has changed decisively? Regimes do not collapse only because of external pressure. They collapse when internal confidence erodes and when fear gives way to coordination.

Iranian citizens are facing a rare historical window. The money pipelines are closed in all directions. The regime’s external shield is fractured. Its allies are cautious, not committed. International signals are unambiguous. The conditions that once allowed the regime to survive through financial manipulation and proxy warfare no longer exist in their previous form.

This is a moment of choice. With disciplined, quiet, and organized civic action, the path exists to bring an end to a brutal system that has sacrificed its own population for ideological survival. Such a transition would not merely change Iran internally. It would reshape the strategic balance of the Middle East and open the door to a stable Iran with functional international and domestic relations.

The coming days and weeks will reveal whether Iranian society is ready for the next step. The strategic conditions have been created. The financial lifelines are cut. The outcome now depends not on declarations from abroad, but on decisions made within Iran itself.


Samuel Shay is a senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords treaty

Israel–Somaliland Cooperation Is a Strategic Economic Opportunity Africa Cannot Ignore


By Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty



The growing discussion around cooperation between Israel and Somaliland should not be viewed as a marginal diplomatic development. It represents a serious economic opportunity with implications far beyond bilateral relations. At its core, this cooperation offers a rare chance to design and implement a modern development model in Africa from the ground up.

Somaliland is a unique case on the African continent. It is a young political entity with internal stability, functioning governance, and a clear ambition to develop economically. Unlike many states, it is not weighed down by decades of dysfunctional economic systems, massive debt, or rigid legacy infrastructure. While it currently lacks large scale active exploitation of natural resources, this should not be mistaken for a lack of potential.

Geological indicators point to the existence of gold, rare metals, oil, and gas. More importantly, Somaliland holds strategic non extractive assets: a coastline positioned along key maritime routes, land suitable for advanced agriculture when supported by modern water systems, strong potential for aquaculture, and long term prospects for tourism. In today’s global economy, value is created not merely by owning resources but by managing them intelligently, processing them locally, and embedding them in sustainable economic systems.

One of Somaliland’s greatest advantages is precisely its clean starting point. Many African countries struggle to reform outdated models built around raw material exports and dependency on foreign aid. Somaliland does not need to dismantle such systems because they were never fully formed. This allows for the rapid design of modern agriculture, renewable energy grids, smart infrastructure, logistics corridors, and education systems aligned with real market needs.

Israel brings a highly relevant set of capabilities to this equation. It has built a resilient economy under conditions of scarcity, limited water, and constant security pressure. Its expertise in desert agriculture, water management, renewable energy, applied technology, infrastructure planning, and professional training is not theoretical. It is operational, scalable, and results driven. Israeli entrepreneurs are accustomed to working in complex environments and delivering measurable outcomes rather than symbolic projects.

The key point is that this cooperation should not follow the traditional aid model. What is required is partnership. Somaliland can provide political stability, regulatory clarity, land access, and a motivated local workforce. Israeli entrepreneurs can contribute capital, technology, and management. Strategic involvement from partners such as the United States or Gulf states can supply financial depth and political backing. This creates a structure in which all parties share risk, responsibility, and reward.

Several sectors stand out as immediate priorities. Agriculture can be transformed through modern irrigation, climate adapted crops, and professional training, enabling food security and export capacity. Water infrastructure, including desalination and smart distribution, is essential for both rural and urban growth. Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, can provide energy independence and support industrial development. Tourism, developed responsibly, can generate long term income and employment. Ports, roads, and logistics hubs can integrate Somaliland into regional and global trade. Education and technological training are critical to building local human capital and reducing long term dependency.

Economic development is not an abstract concept. It is the foundation of stability, governance, and legitimacy. Jobs, skills, and income reduce internal tensions and strengthen institutions. For Somaliland, building a functioning economy is a prerequisite for long term recognition and sovereignty. For Israel and its partners, it is an opportunity to demonstrate a constructive and replicable development approach.

The broader significance lies in replication. Many African states already possess resources but fail to convert them into prosperity due to weak institutions and ineffective partnerships. Somaliland can serve as a controlled demonstration case. Success there would send a clear message across the continent: development is not about declarations, conferences, or aid flows. It is about cooperation between responsible governments and capable entrepreneurs, supported by international partners, focused on execution.

Israel - Somaliland cooperation has the potential to become a reference point for a new African development paradigm. It shows that a modern economy can be built quickly even from a minimal starting point, provided leadership, partnership, and implementation are aligned. If this opportunity is seized seriously, Somaliland’s success will not be an exception. It will be a model.

Africa Holds the Key to the Economy of the Future, but Has Not Yet Opened the Door: Samuel Shay on the Rare Metals Revolution




Samuel Shay, an entrepreneur and economic strategist active across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, presents an unusually sharp and candid analysis of one of the greatest economic missed opportunities on the African continent in recent decades: the lack of systematic development of the rare metals and specialty metals industry, precisely at a time when the entire world is entering a technological era in which these metals are the most critical raw materials.

According to Shay, Africa continues to operate under an outdated mining model, relying almost exclusively on classical metals such as gold, copper, lithium, and cobalt. Despite their importance, these metals generate relatively limited value, especially when exported as raw materials, without processing, without complementary industry, and without control over the value chain.

In contrast, the new global economy, driven by semiconductors, advanced communications, smart energy, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and security technologies, depends on a small but critical group of rare metals and specialty metals. These metals are not only more valuable than gold in industrial terms, but also constitute a strategic bottleneck for states and corporations alike.

Today, China controls almost the entire value chain of rare metals: from mining, through chemical separation, to advanced processing and component manufacturing. This dominance grants China enormous economic, industrial, and geopolitical power. Shay emphasizes that there is no objective justification for this situation, as a significant portion of the world’s rare metals reserves are located דווקא in Africa.

In his view, the core problem is not geological, but political, regulatory, and conceptual. Most African states have not defined rare metals as a strategic national asset, have not built dedicated regulatory frameworks, have not created advanced licensing mechanisms, and have not opened the market to supervised private concessions. The result is stagnation, precisely as global demand continues to surge.

Shay stresses that from a technological standpoint, there is no longer a meaningful barrier. Over the past decade, advanced mining, separation, and processing technologies have been developed that allow rare metals to be extracted as part of existing mining operations, particularly in gold and copper mines. In other words, a dramatic economic leap can be achieved without opening new mines, but rather through intelligent upgrading of existing systems.

According to his assessment, at least five to seven types of rare metals are available for immediate commercial extraction in Africa. Among the most significant are:
Neodymium and praseodymium for advanced magnets.
Dysprosium and terbium for motors, electric vehicles, and energy industries.
Lanthanum and cerium for electronics, refining, and purification.
Yttrium and europium for displays, lasers, and advanced lighting.
Scandium for aerospace, aviation, and lightweight alloys.
Platinum group metals and palladium for defense, chemical, and energy industries.

However, the key point in Shay’s analysis is this: mining alone is not development. A country that limits itself to extracting metal from the ground and selling it as raw material forfeits most of the economic value from the outset. Real development begins with building industry around the metal.

He outlines a clear economic development model: the establishment of dedicated industrial zones for rare metals, including chemical separation facilities, refining plants, alloy production, and semi finished manufacturing. Around these zones, complementary industries can be developed: magnet manufacturing, electronic components, electric vehicle parts, energy systems, and even components for defense and civilian industries.

Such a model creates a complete local value chain: high quality employment, professional training, technological know how, domestic taxation, value added exports, and reduced dependence on China and external markets. According to Shay, this is the only way to turn natural resources into a true engine of growth rather than an economic curse.

In this context, Shay proposes an additional strategic lever: a “metals for projects” model with the United States. Under this framework, African states could grant long term access to rare metals, in exchange for full American financing of mining, processing, and manufacturing development, alongside the construction of water, energy, transportation, education, and industrial infrastructure. Such a model enables accelerated development without imposing heavy public debt burdens.

Shay emphasizes that Israel also has a natural role to play in such a process. Israeli companies possess proven expertise in smart mining, process optimization, chemical separation, digital control systems, and the construction of advanced industrial facilities. Israeli African cooperation can generate mutual value while preserving African sovereignty and ensuring responsible resource management.

In conclusion, Shay argues that Africa is not poor in resources, but poor in decisions. Rare metals represent a historic lever for economic, industrial, and technological development, if used correctly. The world has already moved to the next stage. Countries that continue exporting raw materials will be left behind. Countries that build industry around their resources will change their destiny for generations.

......Paving the Way for US Recognition and Integration into the Abraham Accords


News Analysis | By Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty

Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state marks a significant geopolitical development with far reaching implications for the Red Sea region, the Horn of Africa, and the broader framework of regional cooperation emerging under the Abraham Accords.

According to diplomatic assessments, Israel’s move is expected to be followed by formal recognition from President Donald Trump and the United States in the coming weeks. Once American recognition is declared, the long standing international ambiguity surrounding Somaliland’s status will effectively come to an end, closing a chapter that has remained unresolved for more than three decades.

Beyond the diplomatic dimension, this development positions Somaliland for integration into the Abraham Accords framework. The accords were designed not merely as political agreements, but as an economic and strategic platform aimed at replacing instability with growth, cooperation, and shared interests. Somaliland’s inclusion reflects a natural expansion of this model into a region of high strategic importance.

From an economic perspective, Somaliland now stands at the threshold of meaningful development. The most immediate opportunities lie in agriculture, including land based farming, marine agriculture, and food security systems. With structured investment, modern irrigation, and advanced agricultural technologies, Somaliland has the capacity to significantly increase production, reduce dependency, and generate employment at scale.

Energy and water infrastructure represent another critical pillar. Somaliland possesses favorable conditions for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, alongside an urgent need for desalination and water management systems. These sectors are essential for national resilience and align directly with investment mechanisms already active under the Abraham Accords in other regions.

Strategically, Somaliland’s location is central to its importance. Situated at the entrance to the Red Sea and facing Yemen, it lies adjacent to one of the most vital maritime corridors in the world. Stability in Somaliland contributes directly to securing international shipping lanes, protecting global trade, and supporting regional security efforts. This reality elevates Somaliland from a local issue to a matter of international strategic interest.

In addition, Somaliland offers strong potential for regional projects in energy backed data centers, logistics infrastructure, and digital connectivity. Its geographic position allows it to function as a bridge between Africa, the Gulf, and global markets. These are precisely the types of initiatives envisioned under the economic architecture of the Abraham Accords.

High tech and advanced innovation sectors should be developed in later stages, following the establishment of solid foundations in infrastructure, energy, water, and agriculture. A phased and disciplined approach is essential to ensure long term sustainability rather than short term expectations.

This moment represents a critical juncture for Somaliland. International recognition creates opportunity, but the outcome will depend on governance, transparency, and execution. If Somaliland’s leadership acts responsibly and cooperates closely with Israel, the United States, and Abraham Accords partners, the country can move toward genuine reconstruction, economic stability, and regional integration.

The recognition process opens the door. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether Somaliland transforms this moment into lasting prosperity and security for its people and for the region as a whole.

The Strategic Role of Multinational Investment Funds in Advancing Desert Agriculture



Africa, Advanced Technology, and the Economic Power of the Abraham Accords

A Strategic Vision and Practical Framework by Samuel Shay

Strategic Introduction: Redefining Agriculture in Arid Regions

Across Africa, the question of how to transform desert and semi arid regions into productive economic assets has moved from theory to strategic necessity. In my work as an entrepreneur and senior economic advisor involved in large scale development programs across Africa, the Middle East, and Israel, I, Samuel Shay, view desert agriculture as one of the most powerful tools available today for long term stability, food security, and regional economic integration.

The convergence of three forces has made this transformation possible. First, the maturity of advanced agricultural technologies. Second, the growing role of multinational and sovereign investment funds seeking long horizon assets. Third, the emergence of new geopolitical and economic frameworks such as the Abraham Accords, which enable unprecedented cooperation between capital, technology, and land resources.

This intersection creates a historic opportunity to design agricultural systems that are national in scale, financially bankable, and resilient over decades.

A Fundamental Paradigm Shift in Agricultural Thinking

For centuries, agriculture was constrained by climate, rainfall, and geography. Development strategies in Africa were often shaped around these limitations. My approach challenges this logic directly.

Modern agriculture is no longer dependent on natural conditions alone. Precision irrigation systems, advanced drip technologies, climate controlled cultivation, data driven farm management, resilient crop genetics, renewable energy integration, and large scale water recycling have fundamentally changed the rules of the game.

As I consistently emphasize in my strategic work, land itself is no longer the limiting factor. The critical inputs are water management, energy availability, technology, and professional execution. All of these can be planned, financed, and operated even in deep desert environments. This realization transforms vast African desert regions from marginal land into strategic national assets.

Strategic Crops with Long Term Economic Horizons

A central principle in my investment oriented approach to agriculture is the focus on crops that align with the time horizons of institutional capital. Multinational investment funds, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds require predictability, durability, and long term demand.

Crops such as cocoa, coffee, moringa, oil palm, sugar cane, sugar beet, citrus, mango, cashew, and date palms meet these criteria exceptionally well. Many of these crops are perennial or tree based. Once established, they generate stable yields for twenty to forty years, sometimes longer.

From the perspective I promote, these agricultural systems behave more like infrastructure projects than traditional farming. They create steady cash flows, long term land value appreciation, and natural pathways into processing, refining, packaging, and export industries. This structure is precisely what sophisticated investment funds are seeking.

The Strategic Function of Multinational Investment Funds

In my work with governments and investors, I am clear that multinational investment funds must be positioned as strategic partners rather than passive financiers. Their role in desert agriculture extends across the entire project lifecycle.

Investment funds provide not only capital, but also governance discipline, compliance frameworks, international procurement standards, and access to global distribution channels. When properly structured, their participation enables the creation of complete agricultural ecosystems that include water infrastructure, renewable energy systems, logistics hubs, storage facilities, and export corridors.

Samuel Shay’s approach emphasizes the use of public private partnership models that align government priorities, local entrepreneurship, and international capital. This alignment is essential for scaling projects from pilot initiatives into national agricultural platforms capable of reshaping entire regions.

Africa’s Desert Regions as a Continental Opportunity

Africa contains some of the largest desert and semi arid territories on the planet. Historically, these regions have been associated with food insecurity, unemployment, migration pressures, and political fragility. I argue that this perception must change.

By deploying advanced desert agriculture at scale, African governments can unlock multiple strategic benefits simultaneously. These include domestic food production, export revenues, job creation, rural stabilization, and reduced dependency on food imports.

From an investor’s perspective, these regions represent underutilized assets with enormous upside potential. Under my strategic framework, desert agriculture becomes a cornerstone of national development strategies rather than a peripheral activity.

The Abraham Accords as an Economic and Agricultural Catalyst

The Abraham Accords introduced a new economic logic into the Middle East that extends far beyond diplomacy. In my view, and in my active promotion of related initiatives, they form a practical platform for trilateral cooperation between Israeli technology providers, Gulf based investment funds, and African host countries.

This model allows capital from the Gulf to be combined with Israeli expertise in agriculture, water, digital systems, and energy, and deployed on African land at industrial scale. The result is a risk balanced structure where each partner contributes its comparative advantage.

Samuel Shay has consistently advocated for translating the Abraham Accords into concrete projects on the ground. Agricultural development, particularly in desert environments, is among the most effective ways to convert political agreements into measurable economic outcomes.

Building Trust Through Structured Cooperation

One of the recurring challenges in African agricultural investment has been investor confidence. Concerns over governance, continuity, and regulatory stability have limited capital flows despite strong fundamentals.

My approach focuses on building trust through structure. Projects anchored in clear legal frameworks, sovereign support mechanisms, transparent financial models, and long term offtake agreements significantly reduce risk. When these elements are present, multinational investment funds are far more willing to commit capital for extended periods.

This structured cooperation benefits all parties. Governments gain reliable development partners. Investors gain stability. Local entrepreneurs gain access to capital, technology, and international markets.

Environmental Rehabilitation as a Strategic Investment Layer

Desert agriculture is not only an economic strategy. It is also an environmental one. Properly designed projects can combat desertification, improve soil health, enhance carbon absorption, and stabilize fragile ecosystems.

In my discussions with global investors, I increasingly position desert agriculture as a natural fit for environmental, social, and governance oriented capital. The ability to combine profitability with measurable environmental impact significantly expands the pool of potential investors.

A Forward Looking Framework for Future Cooperation

Looking ahead, I, Samuel Shay, believe the next phase requires the establishment of dedicated desert agriculture investment platforms. These platforms should integrate long term capital, sovereign guarantees, advanced technology providers, and professional local operators under unified governance structures.

Critical components include land tenure security, integrated water and energy planning, workforce development, and guaranteed export pathways. When these elements are aligned, desert agriculture becomes one of the most bankable and scalable sectors in emerging markets.

In final view A Practical Vision for the Coming Decades

Desert agriculture in Africa is no longer a speculative concept. It is a practical, finance ready strategy capable of transforming entire regions. With the right crops, the right technology, and the right financial architecture, deserts can become engines of growth rather than symbols of scarcity.

Through my ongoing work in promoting cross regional cooperation, investment structuring, and technology driven development, I see desert agriculture as a cornerstone of a new economic model. One that connects Africa, the Middle East, and global markets through food security, long term investment, and shared prosperity.

This vision, advanced and implemented by Samuel Shay, is not theoretical. It is grounded in real world experience, active partnerships, and a clear understanding of how capital, technology, and policy must align to shape the future of sustainable development in some of the world’s most challenging and promising environments.

A Strategic Vision Shaped by Practice:

Samuel Shay on Academic Cooperation Between Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf in the Age of Climate Stress

The idea of building large-scale academic cooperation between Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf around agricultural research did not emerge from theory alone. It is rooted in years of hands-on work in economic development, climate-driven infrastructure planning, and technology deployment across arid and semi-arid regions.

According to Samuel Shay, entrepreneur and senior economic advisor for regional economic cooperation frameworks, climate change has fundamentally altered the hierarchy of national priorities. In his view, agriculture is no longer a traditional sector but a strategic system that connects food security, economic stability, social cohesion, and geopolitics.

Shay argues that the most effective and realistic way to build durable cooperation between regions is not through immediate political agreements, but through professional and academic frameworks. “When governments struggle to open doors,” he explains, “research institutions, universities, and applied science centers can move first. They create trust, shared language, and operational cooperation long before diplomats arrive.”

This approach, he believes, is particularly relevant for Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf at a moment when climate disruption is accelerating faster than political decision-making.



Climate Change as an Economic Shock, Not an Environmental Debate

From Shay’s perspective, the last two years marked a turning point. Climate change is no longer discussed as a future risk but as a present economic shock. He points to extreme droughts across South Asia, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, alongside unprecedented climate anomalies such as snowfall in the deserts of Saudi Arabia or the drying of regions once considered water-rich in Europe.

Africa, he notes, is absorbing the heaviest impact. Even equatorial countries that historically received rainfall every few days are now experiencing long dry intervals of two to three weeks. For economies where agriculture underpins employment, exports, and food availability, this shift is devastating.

“When agriculture collapses,” Shay emphasizes, “everything collapses with it. Income, currency stability, food prices, and social order all follow.”

This reality is what elevates agricultural research from an academic concern to a strategic necessity.



Why Academic Cooperation Comes Before Political Cooperation

Shay’s experience across multiple regions led him to a consistent conclusion. Academic and professional cooperation is often the only viable entry point when political frameworks are fragile, slow, or constrained.

Agriculture, along with energy and medicine, offers a neutral and results-driven platform. Researchers focus on yields, water efficiency, genetics, and data, not ideology. Governments can support these efforts quietly through joint funding mechanisms without forcing premature political alignment.

In Shay’s model, universities and research institutes act as stabilizing anchors. They operate on long timelines, survive political transitions, and prioritize evidence-based outcomes. This makes them ideal vehicles for building long-term regional cooperation.



The Strategic Logic of Linking Africa With Desert Economies

Shay places particular emphasis on the connection between Africa and desert-based economies in the Middle East and the Gulf. These regions, he argues, are complementary by nature.

Desert countries have accumulated decades of expertise in water scarcity management, drought-resistant crop development, precision irrigation, and controlled-environment agriculture. Israel and several Gulf states have transformed necessity into innovation, becoming global leaders in agricultural technologies adapted to extreme climates.

Africa, meanwhile, possesses vast agricultural land, biological diversity, and human capital. Yet climate volatility increasingly undermines its productivity. The challenge is not potential, but adaptation speed.

“Combining African scale with desert agriculture knowledge is not charity,” Shay insists. “It is a strategic partnership that creates value for both sides.”



Academic Institutions as Engines of Climate Adaptation

At the center of Shay’s vision are academic institutions. He sees universities, research centers, and experimental farms as the true engines of climate adaptation.

Through structured cooperation, these institutions can jointly develop drought-tolerant crop varieties, conduct multi-region field trials, and build shared climate and soil databases. African researchers gain access to advanced desert agriculture methodologies, while Middle Eastern and Gulf institutions benefit from Africa’s agro-ecological diversity and large-scale testing environments.

Shay highlights the importance of human capital development. Joint doctoral programs, researcher exchanges, and regional centers of excellence ensure that knowledge is embedded locally rather than remaining externally dependent.



The Role of Joint Government Funding

Technology and research require stability. Shay strongly advocates for joint government funding frameworks that pool resources across regions.

In his model, governments co-finance applied research platforms with clear performance benchmarks. Funding is tied to outcomes such as water-use efficiency improvements, yield stability under drought conditions, and successful field adoption.

This approach, he argues, delivers strong economic returns. It reduces duplication, accelerates innovation, and lowers long-term food import costs. More importantly, it transforms public spending into strategic investment rather than emergency response.



Technology as Shay’s Core Contribution

Shay’s contribution to this framework is deeply technological. His work focuses on integrating agricultural research with data systems, precision tools, and scalable infrastructure.

He emphasizes the role of climate analytics, AI-driven crop modeling, smart irrigation, and sensor-based soil monitoring as essential layers on top of genetic research. Technology shortens feedback loops, improves decision-making, and allows farmers and policymakers to respond in real time to climate stress.

By linking research institutions with technology platforms, Shay believes agricultural adaptation can move from reactive to predictive.



Agriculture as the First Layer of a Broader Cooperation Architecture

In Shay’s strategic view, agricultural research is only the beginning. Once academic networks are established, cooperation naturally expands into water management, renewable energy, logistics, and education.

For African countries, this strengthens institutional capacity and economic resilience. For Middle Eastern and Gulf states, it enhances food security, diversifies strategic partnerships, and builds influence through knowledge rather than capital alone.

Most importantly, Shay sees these academic bridges as tools for long-term stability. Strong agriculture reduces migration pressure, lowers conflict risk, and anchors rural economies.



Knowledge as Strategic Infrastructure

Shay concludes with a clear warning and an equally clear opportunity. Climate stress will intensify. Water and food will increasingly shape economic and geopolitical outcomes.

In this environment, academic cooperation is not optional. It is strategic infrastructure.

By investing in shared research systems today, Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf can build a future based on resilience, cooperation, and shared growth. According to Shay, the countries that understand this shift early will shape the rules of the next global economic chapter.

Agricultural research, in this sense, is not about crops alone. It is about redesigning how regions cooperate in a world defined by climate reality.

Sustainable Agriculture Models from the Middle East and Their Strategic Expansion into Africa



based on in depth conversations with Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty

The rapid development of sustainable agriculture in the Middle East has become one of the most underreported economic stories of the past decade. Countries traditionally associated with desert climates, water scarcity, and food import dependency have succeeded in building advanced agricultural systems that are resilient, technologically sophisticated, and economically viable. Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia now stand at the forefront of this transformation. According to Samuel Shay, these models are not only relevant to their domestic needs but represent a practical blueprint for agricultural independence across Africa within the framework of the Abraham Accords.

This is not a theoretical discussion about innovation. It is a question of implementation, scale, and transferability. Shay argues that the Middle Eastern experience offers Africa something it has long lacked: proven agricultural systems designed for harsh climates, limited infrastructure, and complex social realities.

Israel: Precision Agriculture as a National Strategy

Israel’s agricultural success is rooted in necessity. Limited water resources, small land area, and constant demographic pressure forced the country to innovate early. Over decades, Israel developed drip irrigation systems, precision fertilization, climate controlled greenhouses, advanced livestock management, and genetic optimization of crops and animals.

What distinguishes the Israeli model, according to Shay, is its integration of technology with community based production. Kibbutzim and moshavim function not only as farming units but as economic ecosystems. Crop production, dairy farming, poultry, aquaculture, and food processing are managed with data driven systems that maximize output per unit of land and water.

In livestock, Israeli dairy farms lead global productivity rankings per cow, using sensor based health monitoring, automated feeding, and genetic selection. Poultry operations emphasize biosecurity and feed efficiency. Aquaculture relies on closed loop water systems that drastically reduce consumption and environmental impact.

Shay emphasizes that these are not capital heavy mega farms. Many Israeli agricultural units are relatively small, highly efficient, and adaptable. This makes them particularly suitable for replication in African regions where land ownership is fragmented and infrastructure remains uneven.

United Arab Emirates: Controlled Environment Agriculture in Extreme Conditions

The United Arab Emirates has taken a different but complementary path. Facing extreme heat and near total reliance on food imports, the UAE invested heavily in controlled environment agriculture. Vertical farms, hydroponic and aeroponic systems, and AI driven climate control now supply a growing share of domestic vegetable consumption.

The Emirati model focuses on proximity to consumption centers. Food is produced close to cities, reducing logistics costs and post harvest losses. Water efficiency is the central pillar. Some vertical farms use up to 90 percent less water than traditional agriculture.

In animal protein, the UAE has expanded closed system fish farming, integrating aquaculture with plant production through aquaponics. Poultry projects increasingly rely on climate controlled facilities powered partly by renewable energy.

Shay notes that the true value of the Emirati model lies in its modularity. These systems can be deployed as compact units, scaled gradually, and operated by locally trained teams. For African cities facing rapid urbanization and food insecurity, this approach offers an immediate and realistic solution.

Saudi Arabia: Scale, Integration, and Regional Hubs

Saudi Arabia brings a third dimension to the agricultural equation: scale. After recognizing the unsustainability of water intensive farming, the Kingdom restructured its agricultural strategy. Today, Saudi projects focus on smart irrigation, drought resistant crops, integrated livestock operations, and regional production hubs linked to processing and export infrastructure.

Saudi dairy and poultry sectors are among the most technologically advanced in the region, with vertically integrated supply chains that include feed production, animal health, processing, and distribution. In aquaculture, Saudi Arabia has invested in coastal and inland fish farming with export orientation.

According to Shay, the Saudi experience is especially relevant for African countries with large territories and regional disparities. The concept of agricultural hubs, each specializing in specific products and linked to education and logistics, can be directly adapted to African national development plans.

A Practical Model for Africa: Minimal Entry, Maximum Impact

Samuel Shay’s vision for Africa under the Abraham Accords is deliberately pragmatic. He rejects the idea of massive, debt heavy agricultural megaprojects. Instead, he proposes small to medium scale, modular agricultural units that can be implemented quickly and expanded organically.

The core principle is local ownership with international partnership. Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia provide technology, training, and initial financing frameworks. African governments and communities contribute land, labor, and governance. Young people are trained not only as workers but as operators, technicians, and future managers.

The model covers the full agricultural spectrum. Fruit and vegetable production using low cost precision irrigation. Community scale dairy, poultry, and cattle operations adapted to local breeds. Fish farming units near existing water sources. Simple processing facilities to retain value locally rather than exporting raw produce.

Shay stresses that the objective is agricultural independence, not dependency. Technology transfer must be accompanied by local capacity building. Within five to ten years, these systems should be fully operated, maintained, and expanded by African professionals.

The Role of the Abraham Accords

Beyond economics, Shay views agricultural cooperation as a strategic stabilizer. Food security reduces social tension, migration pressure, and political volatility. Projects implemented under the Abraham Accords framework benefit from diplomatic backing, regional financing channels, and shared standards.

For Africa, this represents a new type of partnership. Not extractive, not aid driven, but production oriented. For the Middle East, it offers long term food security diversification and geopolitical depth.

A Generation Focused on Implementation

One of the most important elements of Shay’s vision is generational. Africa’s young population must be placed at the center of these projects. Training programs, applied agricultural colleges, and technology centers linked to real farms are essential.

Agriculture, in this model, is no longer subsistence labor. It becomes a modern profession combining technology, entrepreneurship, and national development.

As Shay concludes, the Middle East has already proven that sustainable agriculture in extreme conditions is possible. The next phase is to move from isolated success stories to a shared economic platform. If implemented correctly, Africa will not only achieve food security but emerge as a competitive agricultural force in the global market.

Jordan’s Economic Crisis as a Regional Challenge: A Warning Call and a Strategic Opportunity




Based on discussions and analysis with Samuel Shay, entrepreneur and senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords

The economic data recently published regarding Jordan’s condition is no longer a theoretical warning. It reflects a deep, unfolding, and dangerous crisis that threatens not only the Jordanian economy but the stability of the Hashemite Kingdom itself. A swelling public debt, high unemployment, the ongoing erosion of the middle class, and growing dependence on external aid together create a reality that, in an extreme scenario, could lead to political shock and regime change. A recent article published in Israel exposed the hard numbers. The real question is their regional meaning and what can be done now.

In conversations with Samuel Shay, one of the most prominent voices today in regional economic thinking around the Abraham Accords, a sharp and clear picture emerges: Jordan is a critical link in the stability chain of the Middle East. An economic collapse in Amman would not remain an internal matter. It would directly affect Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the entire space between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

Debt, Frustration, and Political Risk

According to Shay, Jordan’s core problem is not only the level of debt, but the absence of real growth engines behind it. For years, the Jordanian economy has relied on services, foreign aid, and transfer payments, with a weak production base and agriculture that has never been implemented at a national scale. When debt reaches levels that restrict public investment, undermine the state’s ability to generate employment, and erode public trust, the risk becomes political and not merely economic.

In a volatile regional environment, where ideological, religious, and social pressures are waiting for any sign of governmental weakness, Jordan cannot afford another decade of stagnation.

The Abraham Accords as an Economic Anchor, Not Only a Diplomatic One

This is where a concept consistently advanced by Shay comes into focus: Jordan must be treated as a top priority within the economic expansion of the Abraham Accords. Not as a state receiving limited assistance, but as a partner in large scale strategic projects.

The logic is straightforward. Jordanian stability serves Israeli, Saudi, and international interests alike. Therefore, a proactive, coordinated, and properly funded initiative is required, one that connects Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and eventually Syria, around tangible growth engines.

The Agricultural Corridor from the Syrian Border to the Red Sea

One of the central ideas presented by Shay is the development of a continuous national agricultural corridor along the entire length of Jordan, from the Syrian border in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. This is not a collection of small projects, but a comprehensive national program that integrates water, land, technology, and markets.

Despite its desert image, Jordan can become a regional agricultural power if the right infrastructure is put in place. Investment in water, including desalination, conveyance, storage, and agricultural reuse, is a foundational requirement. Alongside this, the development of high value crops such as coffee, cocoa, and oil palm, combined with precision agriculture and Israeli and Saudi technologies, can generate export revenues, broad employment, and a local industrial value chain.

Five Billion Dollars Instead of Twenty Years of Stagnation

The estimated cost presented by Shay for an initial phase stands at approximately five billion dollars. This is not a trivial sum, but it is far lower than the economic and security damage that could result from a Jordanian collapse. It is an investment capable of providing a horizon of stability for the next twenty years.

The funding is intended not only for fields and water, but also for processing industries, logistics systems, employment zones, agricultural research centers, and integration with an advanced education and vocational training system. This is how an economy is built, not merely supported through aid.

The Broader Regional Impact

According to Shay, the success of such a program in Jordan would transform it from a weak, externally supported actor into a productive player at the heart of the region. It would strengthen Israel’s eastern border, deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and eventually allow for cautious Syrian participation in civilian projects, provided political conditions mature.

Beyond that, it would send a clear message: the Abraham Accords are not only a diplomatic framework, but a platform for building stability through economy, employment, and a civilian future.

A Narrowing Window of Opportunity

The central message emerging from the discussions with Shay is urgency. Time is not working in Jordan’s favor. Each additional year of debt, unemployment, and frustration brings the kingdom closer to a boiling point. Precisely now, against the backdrop of regional turbulence, there is a window of opportunity to initiate a bold, coordinated, and visionary economic move.

Jordan is not a problem. It is a key. The question is whether the regional and international system will recognize this in time.

Saudi Arabia and GCC countries as an Industrial and Technological Power in the Post Oil Era


Following a conversation with Samuel Shay, entrepreneur and senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords

The conversation held with Samuel Shay is not another theoretical discussion about the future of the global economy. It presents a structured strategic vision that connects three regions usually discussed separately: the Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia; the State of Israel; and Africa. According to Shay, the connection between them is not only possible but necessary, and it has the potential to create a deep competitive advantage that could reshape the global economic balance in the coming decades.

At the core of this idea lies a clear understanding that the era of oil as an exclusive economic anchor is coming to an end. Not tomorrow morning, but at a pace that requires immediate preparation. Saudi Arabia understands this better than most oil producing states and is therefore seeking not only new investment channels but a fundamental change in economic identity. Shay emphasizes that such a transition cannot be limited to services, tourism, or finance alone. Without an independent industrial and technological base, a country remains dependent on external forces.

The depth of the Saudi challenge

According to Shay, Saudi Arabia’s real challenge is not a lack of capital but a lack of a complete value chain. There is money, there is ambition, and there is physical infrastructure, but what is missing is the layer of advanced knowledge and industrial production that turns ideas into products and products into global power. This is precisely where the strategic window for regional cooperation emerges.

Israel as an industrial accelerator, not only a startup nation

Shay offers a sober view of Israel’s contribution. It is not only about innovation or brilliant ideas, but about a proven ability to manage complex processes under difficult constraints. Over decades, Israel has developed a model that connects academic research, security systems, industry, and entrepreneurship. This model has produced applied knowledge in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, precision agriculture, biotechnology, water management, and energy.

According to Shay, Saudi Arabia does not need to copy the Israeli model, but to implement it at scale, while adapting it to local culture and institutional structures. Such integration could enable the rapid establishment of research centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, and training systems for Saudi engineers and managers.

Africa as the material foundation of the new economy

One of the most significant elements in Shay’s vision is the role of Africa. Contrary to the traditional view, Africa is not merely a destination for development aid, but a strategic partner. The continent holds resources that are essential for almost every advanced industry: rare minerals, metals, magnets, and materials critical to biotechnology and smart agriculture.

Shay stresses that today many of these resources are largely controlled by China through mechanisms that create deep dependency. China is not only purchasing raw materials, but also building financing systems, infrastructure, and political influence that limit the freedom of action of African states. The result is an unbalanced relationship that generates long term tensions and structural problems.

A new partnership model

Instead, Shay proposes a model based on direct partnership. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states do not approach Africa as a controlling power, but as partners in development. Israel provides technology and management, Africa provides resources and workforce, and the Gulf provides capital, infrastructure, and access to markets. This creates a structure in which part of the processing already takes place in Africa, rather than exporting raw materials alone.

According to Shay, this represents a profound conceptual shift: from Africa as a cheap supplier to Africa as an active component of the value chain. For African states, the result is employment, knowledge, and economic sovereignty. For the Gulf states, it means stability, diversification, and risk reduction.

The geopolitical dimension

This vision is not purely economic. Shay emphasizes that in an era of geopolitical tension, supply chains are instruments of power. A state that does not control access to raw materials, technology, and manufacturing is vulnerable to external pressure. The connection between the Gulf, Israel, and Africa allows the creation of a relatively independent axis that reduces reliance on China and other actors with conflicting interests.

IMEC and the Abraham Accords as enabling frameworks

Shay views the IMEC initiative and the Abraham Accords as critical infrastructure for this process. IMEC provides the logistical and transportation backbone connecting India, the Gulf, Israel, and Europe. The Abraham Accords provide the political framework and mutual trust required for deep cooperation. When Africa is added to this structure, a new, broad, and integrated economic corridor emerges, based on manufacturing, knowledge, and the free movement of goods and technology.

Opinion and outlook

From a journalistic perspective, this is one of the most coherent and far reaching ideas recently presented regarding the future of the Gulf. It is not a naive vision, but a scenario built on converging interests. Saudi Arabia is seeking stability and an economic future not dependent on oil. Africa is seeking fair development partnerships. Israel is seeking regional frameworks to expand its technological capabilities.

If implemented gradually but consistently, this approach could redefine Saudi Arabia’s role in the global economy. No longer only an energy supplier, but an industrial and technological hub connecting continents. This would be a transformation of historical significance, not only for the Gulf, but for the international economic system as a whole.

IMEC Expands Toward South Asia: A New Development Corridor Driven by the Abraham Accords


Special interview with Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty

In recent months, the IMEC framework has entered a transformative phase, evolving from an intercontinental trade corridor into a broader development engine that now aims to include some of the poorest nations in South Asia. Cambodia, Nepal, Bangladesh and other vulnerable countries stand at the center of a new proposal led by Samuel Shay, one of the most active regional architects of economic cooperation under the Abraham Accords.

Shay argues that the global food-security crisis, combined with structural poverty across South Asia, demands a new regional model. According to him, the next stage of IMEC must become a platform not only for transportation and trade, but also for agriculture, livestock development and long term food resilience. Integrating these nations into the IMEC network would, in his view, create the missing bridge between advanced Middle Eastern capabilities and the vast human potential of South Asia.

The idea is gaining traction. Countries already involved in IMEC, particularly Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India, possess leading technologies in desert agriculture, water management, smart irrigation, cold chain logistics and food production systems. Extending this ecosystem to Cambodia or Nepal could help stabilize millions who face recurring crop failures and food shortages. Shay emphasizes that this is not charity: it is a strategic partnership that can lift entire regions into a shared growth cycle.

Within the framework he is promoting, the expanded IMEC would establish agricultural development hubs, livestock improvement centers, and regional food security programs. These would combine Israeli precision agriculture, Gulf financing capabilities, Indian market access and local workforce training in South Asia. Such a structure, he says, would turn IMEC into one of the most innovative development corridors operating today.

Shay confirms that he is already advancing diplomatic and professional channels to bring these countries into the conversation. His model includes joint task forces, feasibility assessments, and national development plans tailored to each participating country. The goal is to provide every nation a clear entry point into IMEC while ensuring that their agricultural and nutritional needs are met through modern, scalable systems.

Experts following the initiative view this as a natural extension of the Abraham Accords. The political stability created over the past years now serves as a foundation for long horizon economic projects that reach far beyond the Middle East. Linking the Gulf, the Levant, India and Southeast Asia into a single cooperative structure could, they believe, create one of the largest development zones worldwide.

If successful, the expanded IMEC would reshape the regional balance by connecting food production centers, technology providers, transportation networks and emerging economies into an integrated system. For countries such as Bangladesh or Cambodia, this could mark the first real opportunity in decades to join a sustainable economic cycle instead of remaining trapped in crisis-driven agriculture.

For Shay, who has positioned himself at the intersection of diplomacy, infrastructure and regional development, the mission is clear: “If IMEC is to reach its full potential, it must include those who need it the most. This is how we turn a transport corridor into a growth corridor, and a regional project into a global one.”

Foreign Investment in Africa: How Corruption Blocks Growth and What Can Be Done to Protect Investors



in special interview with Samuel Shay, entrepreneur and senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty and IMEC development program.

Across Africa, foreign investment has reached one of its lowest points in decades. Despite vast natural resources, a young population and enormous development potential, international investors are withdrawing or avoiding the continent altogether. The central reason is increasingly clear: an inability to protect investments from corruption, political interference and unreliable local governance structures.

In a special conversation with Samuel Shay, entrepreneur and senior economic advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty, we explored why foreign investment in Africa is collapsing and what mechanisms could realistically restore confidence. Shay has spent years working with African governments, global companies and international institutions, and he describes a systemic crisis that requires both technological and legislative reform.

A Fundamental Mismatch: Good Faith Investors versus Corrupt Local Systems

According to Shay, most foreign investors arrive with genuine intentions: to build infrastructure, improve agriculture, strengthen local economies and create long term value. But in many African countries, the moment foreign funds appear, a different dynamic emerges. Local officials, intermediaries or political actors attempt to divert funds, disrupt procurement or insert themselves into the financial chain.

Shay explains that this pattern is rarely found at such intensity in Europe, Asia or the Middle East. It is a unique structural challenge that undermines trust and makes investment nearly impossible. As a result, he says, many companies now prefer to operate independently without involving local authorities at all. While this approach can reduce corruption risk, it also limits the scope of development and excludes local participation, which is essential for national level projects.

Why Existing Protections Fail

Shay points out that most African nations do not have functioning mechanisms to protect investors. Legal systems are weak, commercial courts are unreliable, anti corruption laws exist only on paper, and enforcement is minimal. International arbitration is costly and ineffective when governments simply refuse to comply.

The result, as Shay highlights, is a near total breakdown of investor confidence.

The Data Confirms the Trend

Recent reports from the World Bank, UNCTAD and the OECD show a dramatic decline in foreign investment across the continent. Key findings include:

A drop of more than 40 percent in foreign investment compared to 2015
Over 70 percent of investors cite corruption as the primary barrier to entering African markets
Only a handful of African states rank above minimal trust levels in judicial reliability
More than half of major projects launched in recent years were halted or cancelled due to political interference
Shay notes that these numbers reflect a structural crisis rather than a temporary economic slowdown.

Can Africa Become a Safe Destination for Investment?

Shay believes the answer is yes, but it requires deep reform built on three pillars.



Pillar One: Technology Based Control Systems

Modern technology can virtually eliminate opportunities for corruption. Shay stresses that blockchain based financial management, smart contracts, biometric approvals and AI powered project monitoring should become standard.

Under such systems:

Every payment is traceable and tamper proof
Funds cannot be released without multi level authorization
Procurement becomes fully automated
Investors can monitor progress in real time
Shay emphasizes that these tools already exist and could revolutionize accountability if governments adopt them.



Pillar Two: Strong Legislation with Harsh Penalties

Africa must introduce strict investor protection laws that hold public officials personally accountable. Shay outlines the necessary reforms:

Independent commercial courts
Severe penalties for corruption tied to foreign investment
Binding international investment treaties
Full personal liability for ministers or officials who breach project agreements
He argues that without such legal foundations, even the best technology cannot protect investors.



Pillar Three: International Investment Security Framework

Shay recommends creating a regional or continent wide protection system backed by global financial institutions. This could include:

Third party trustees for handling project funds
Escrow systems managed outside the host country
International audit mechanisms
Political risk insurance tied to performance
These safeguards would allow investors to commit capital without exposing themselves to extreme institutional risk.



The Cultural Challenge: Education Before Growth

Shay also highlights a deeper issue: a cultural normalization of corruption within public systems. He stresses that long term change depends on educating civil servants, creating public accountability norms and aligning national interests with investor success.

Final Assessment

In Shay’s view, Africa stands at a crossroads. It can either adopt technology driven transparency, strict legal standards and international oversight, or continue losing the foreign capital needed to develop infrastructure, agriculture and industry.

“If Africa wants investment,” Shay tells me, “it must protect the people who bring the money. Investors are ready, but they need systems that guarantee their funds reach the ground. Without that, the continent will continue missing opportunities that should have changed millions of lives.”

Shay’s message is blunt but unavoidable:
Africa has the potential to become one of the world’s fastest growing regions, but only if it builds an environment where investment is safe, protected and respected.

Africa at the Breaking Point: Samuel Shay Explains Why the World’s Richest Continent Still Lives in Poverty and Chaos


Special End of Year Analysis: Africa 2025
Based on an in-depth interview with Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty

Africa closes 2025 at a moment that is both historic and deeply troubling. No other continent experienced so many coups this year. No other region saw poverty, food insecurity, and state fragility expand at such a rapid pace. Yet paradoxically, no region on earth possesses greater natural wealth or a younger, more promising generation.
In an extensive conversation with Samuel Shay, one of the leading architects of cross continental development programs, a sharper and more uncompromising picture emerged: Africa is not failing because it lacks resources. Africa is failing because leadership refuses to acknowledge the realities on the ground and rejects opportunities that could transform the entire continent.

The richest continent living in a state of permanent crisis

Shay opens with a point he repeats often: Africa is the wealthiest continent in the world in terms of natural resources.
Gold, cobalt, copper, oil, gas, uranium, iron ore, diamonds, vast agricultural land, and a population of nearly one billion people under the age of thirty.
“Africa does not lack anything except responsible management,” Shay states. “If the leadership understood the potential of the young generation, the continent would not be in constant survival mode.”

According to Shay, Africa does not need foreign money in the initial phase. What it needs is local mobilization, local governance, and the courage to launch internal reforms. The resources to build a healthy economy already lie in the soil, in the cities, and most importantly in the youth.
“Foreign investment will come later,” Shay adds. “But Africa can ignite its own economy on its own terms.”

2025: the year of coups and the year of denial

From Niger to Sudan, from Gabon to Burkina Faso, 2025 was another year in which military takeovers overshadowed democratic processes.
But for Shay, the deeper issue is psychological.
“African leaders still behave as if instability is normal,” he says. “They treat crisis as if it is part of national identity. Meanwhile entire generations grow up with no stability, no economic horizon, and no trust in the system.”

Shay argues that leaders across the continent have adopted a rhetoric that does not match their reality. “You hear speeches about growth, prosperity, and international influence from countries that cannot provide clean water or electricity for half their population. This gap is the biggest danger.”

Washington: the moment that exposed a continental problem

One of the most revealing events of the year occurred in the White House. President Trump extended a strategic invitation to African heads of state under the Minerals for Development initiative, a program intended to build infrastructure, energy grids, and industrial zones through fair resource agreements.

Shay was briefed in detail on several of those meetings.
His assessment is blunt.
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for African leaders,” he explains. “A real strategic window. But instead of discussing partnership, some arrived with arrogance and demands that made no sense.”

One meeting that was planned for three days ended after thirty minutes.
“It was embarrassing,” Shay says. “Trump expected seriousness. Instead he heard excuses, unrealistic expectations, and political lecturing from leaders whose countries face hunger and chaos.”

For Shay, this episode was not an isolated diplomatic failure. It was a symptom of a deeper disease: leaders who refuse to look honestly at the state of their nations and who miss historic opportunities because they cannot shift from political ego to economic responsibility.

The young generation: Africa’s only real hope

More than 60 percent of Africa’s population is under 25. To Shay, this is not a statistic. It is a call to action.
“If the current leadership does not step aside or adapt, the young generation will pay the price. But if Africa empowers this generation, the continent will lead the global economy in the coming decades.”

Shay emphasizes that this generation is digitally connected, entrepreneurial, and globally aware.
“They know what is possible. They are not willing to accept excuses. They demand results.”

The Abraham Accords: Africa’s strongest doorway to renewal

When asked about realistic pathways forward, Shay points to a framework that Africa still has not fully explored: the economic architecture developing around the Abraham Accords.
For the first time, the United States, Israel, and the Gulf states are building a joint economic system that integrates energy, logistics, agriculture, water infrastructure, fintech, education, and advanced technology.

“Africa is the missing partner,” Shay says.
“Gulf capital, American markets, Israeli innovation, and African resources could create the strongest development ecosystem in the world. This is not theory. This is practical, immediate, and achievable.”

Shay stresses that this collaboration is not neo colonial and not top down. It is an invitation to equality based on shared value.
“What Africa needs is stable partners. The Abraham Accords offer that stability.”

Looking toward 2026: time to stop repeating mistakes

Shay concludes the interview with a message that is both hopeful and severe.
“Africa is not a victim of the world,” he says. “Africa is a victim of leadership that refuses to evolve. But the moment the mindset changes, the continent will enter a new era.”

His vision for 2026 is clear:

adoption of responsible and transparent governance
prioritization of economic development over political ego
partnership with the United States and the Gulf states through the Abraham Accords
unlocking the power of the young generation
redirecting mineral wealth into national development instead of elite consumption
“If Africa takes these steps,” Shay asserts, “it will become one of the most powerful economic blocs of the twenty first century. The potential is unlimited. The only question is whether the leadership is ready.”

2025 offered warnings.
2026 offers possibilities.
And in the words of Samuel Shay:
“The door to Africa’s future is wide open. Now the continent must choose whether to walk through it.”

The collapse of the Rwanda Congo agreement proves that diplomacy without development cannot survive




Samuel Shay: Only economic peace can stop Africa’s cycle of war. The collapse of the Rwanda Congo agreement proves that diplomacy without development cannot survive.

Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty, warns that the renewed fighting between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals a critical flaw in how peace is pursued across Africa. According to Shay, the recent agreement announced by President Trump between the two countries was an important diplomatic breakthrough, but it lacked the essential element required for long term stability: a structured economic development plan for both sides.

Shay states that peace agreements built only on political declarations cannot survive in regions where citizens struggle with food shortages, water scarcity, unemployment, and the absence of basic economic opportunities. When daily life does not improve, the population sees no value in the agreement, armed groups continue to attract followers, and local tensions quickly rise again.

“The ceasefire collapsed because nothing practical was done to improve the lives of the people on both sides,” Shay explained. “No agricultural plan, no food security program, no employment framework, no shared economic zone, no support for farmers, no infrastructure to stabilize the border communities. Without these elements, a political signature becomes a temporary gesture.”

Shay emphasizes that the problem is not unique to Rwanda and Congo. It is a pattern seen repeatedly in Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Sahel region, and other areas suffering from instability. African states negotiate ceasefires, international leaders congratulate them, and within a short time the violence returns, often stronger than before.

According to Shay, the fundamental misunderstanding is the belief that conflicts in Africa are primarily ethnic or religious. In reality, these identities become tools of conflict only when people lack secure access to food, water, income, land, and opportunity. When communities have stable livelihoods, religious and ethnic tensions lose their power.

To break this cycle, Shay calls for a new model of peace building based on four central pillars.

Food security as the foundation of stability
Regions facing hunger will always face conflict. Peace agreements must include immediate agricultural development zones, community farms, irrigation systems, greenhouses, and food processing centers. These projects create jobs and give families the ability to sustain themselves. Food security is not an option, it is the foundation of peace.

Employment and economic opportunity for youth
Young people who cannot work are vulnerable to recruitment by militias. A peace agreement must create real employment opportunities through industrial zones, vocational training centers, border trade hubs, and community manufacturing projects. Thousands of jobs can be created in a short period with modest budgets.

Water infrastructure to prevent local conflict
Control of water sources is one of the leading causes of violence in rural Africa. Agreements must include boreholes, small dams, reservoirs, and purification systems. With water security, agricultural production increases, families can remain in their villages, and pressure on borders decreases.

Social infrastructure for long term peace
Peace also requires clinics, schools, technical colleges, sports programs, and community centers. These institutions strengthen the social fabric and build a generation that believes in stability rather than conflict.

Shay believes that Africa urgently needs an organized mechanism to implement these elements. He proposes the creation of a continental or regional development body dedicated to integrating economic projects into peace agreements. This institution would design programs, mobilize resources, coordinate with governments, and ensure that development begins immediately after agreements are signed.

“Africa does not need more political ceremonies. It needs practical implementation,” Shay said. “A new body should begin its work the moment a ceasefire is announced. It should bring engineers, agricultural experts, financial planners, and community leaders directly to the field.”

Shay stresses that many of these projects do not require large budgets. A small investment in water infrastructure, high efficiency agriculture, food processing, local manufacturing, and border markets can transform entire regions in a matter of months. He believes Israel can contribute advanced agricultural and water technologies, while the United States can anchor international support and assist in organizing the development framework.

Shay also offers his own experience and team to assist governments and regional organizations in building these programs. He highlights the importance of rapid planning and immediate deployment. “With the correct approach, real change can begin in weeks,” he says. “This is not theoretical. It is fully achievable.”

For the Rwanda Congo crisis, Shay proposes a rapid action plan that includes joint agricultural fields along the border, food storage and processing facilities, youth employment programs, local trades training, and shared logistics routes. He emphasizes that such joint projects can reduce tensions, remove economic incentives for violence, and create stability for both populations.

The lessons, he says, must now be applied across Africa. “If Africa continues to rely only on political agreements, peace will always collapse. Economic peace must become the new standard. Only when people have food, water, income, and a future, they will choose stability over conflict.”

Shay concludes with a clear message: “Peace is not created by signatures. Peace is created by opportunity. If leaders adopt this model, Africa can finally break the cycle of war and open a new chapter of prosperity for its citizens.”

......calls on Nigerians to rescue the PDP from Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Tanimu Turaki and his friends

League of PDP Backbone
has on Wednesday called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), to strip Tanimu Turaki of his title as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

"Nigerians call for National Judicial Council to withdraw the certificate of Senior Advocate of Nigeria of Tanimu Turaki, for breaching the constitutional order.

"Tanimu Turaki being a SAN have consistently breached a court order on two different occasions where the High Court has instructed that the convention should not go on.

"Tanimu Turaki kept on parading himself as an illegal chairman and holding onto the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on an illegal portfolio.

"So we call on every Nigerian to rally round the NJC, and call for the withdrawal of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Tanimu Turaki. He does not deserve that title. He should be stripped off of it," PDP Backbone said.

"Turaki is a randy chairman. If we follow the trail of things that have been taking place since the inception of his SAN.

"We don't know how he got the SAN title, because he is randy. That is the fact about it. The Judiciary system should now begin to look at the people they give this honour to, because we cannot begin to run with this illegality.

"Tanimu Turaki is bringing a dent to the Judiciary system.

"That is why we have this double square peg in a round hole. We can't go on like this. We need to see how we can trim up and clean up the system for our own children and for ourselves. The system is a mess. This person is not qualified for this turf at all. He cannot be a chairman," the concerned PDP group further said.

"PDP is a party of rule of law. That is what PDP stands for and that is what PDP has been going for. We cannot now begin to run in illegality and think that we are going to get it right. It is not going to stand and it will not work.

"We concerned PDP stakeholders and faithful members call on every party faithful to rally round this party by ensuring the integrity of this party is being upheld and sustained.

"The likes of Tanimu Turaki that have tainted their images, that have bad records and bad reputation, cannot be seen parading himself as a factional chairman of this party.

"He is an illegal chairman and he has bad records, and reputation, and still parading himself with the name of this party.

"This is uncalled for. Tanimu Turaki must stop acting and stop using the name of PDP to parade himself. His name and his image has been dented. He should go and rectify his image first before coming to the public space to say he is a member of PDP, let alone to be the chairman of Leagues of PDP," the PDP group concluded.

Dr. Folabora Bryhm has congratulated Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) of Kogi State on his new role as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dr. Folabora called the appointment “well-deserved” and praised Prof. Amupitan’s strong integrity, professional excellence, and years of dedicated service to the nation.

He mentioned that the President’s choice shows a commitment to skill and inclusiveness. It also highlights the important contributions of Kogi State to national development.

While congratulating the new INEC Chairman, Dr. Folabora encouraged him to live up to the trust placed in him by promoting transparency, fairness, and the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral processes. He pointed out that this aligns with Prof. Amupitan’s respected career as a legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Dr. Folabora also praised President Tinubu for showing his commitment to merit, balance across the nation, and unity by making appointments that strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.

Dr. Folabora Bryhm has expressed his sincere condolences to the people of Agbadu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. This comes after a recent brutal attack that took innocent lives and led to the kidnapping of four individuals.

Dr. Folabora expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. He labeled the attack as a senseless act of violence that has left the community in fear and distress. He strongly condemned the killings and urged the Kogi State Government to act quickly to secure the release of those kidnapped and to ensure the attackers are brought to justice.

"I grieve with the people of Agbadu, the community elders, and especially the families of those impacted by this devastating tragedy. The loss of innocent lives and the trauma from such violence are unacceptable," he said.

Dr. Folabora also called on the government to send enough security personnel and intelligence teams to the affected areas. He emphasized that protecting lives and property is a basic duty of any government.

He offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the attack. "May the souls of the departed find peace in the Lord, and may their families find strength and comfort during this hard time," he added.

By Hon. M. Sani

As the 2027 general elections approach, the people of Kogi State face a critical moment in their political journey. While some progress has been made, many challenges remain. These challenges require a leader with vision, courage, and integrity. That is why we need Dr. Folabora Bryhm as the next Governor of Kogi State.

Dr. Folabora is a leader defined by selfless service. A veteran who has spent years defending our nation, he exemplifies discipline, sacrifice, and integrity. These traits are increasingly hard to find in today's political world. His background as an entrepreneur has given him a solid understanding of order, accountability, and strategic planning. These qualities are essential to guide Kogi State toward sustainable development.

Kogi State faces urgent issues: insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and a lack of economic diversity. Dealing with these problems needs a leader who focuses on the common good rather than personal ambition. Dr. Folabora is that leader. His ability to listen, plan, and act makes him a beacon of hope for those seeking real progress and lasting peace.

Leadership is not just about fixing problems; it is also about inspiring people. Dr. Folabora connects with ordinary citizens while also earning respect from political and traditional leaders. He serves as a bridge between the old guard and a new era of governance focused on results rather than talk.

As 2027 nears, Kogi's choice should go beyond party loyalty or empty promises. It should focus on competence, credibility, and character. Dr. Folabora Bryhm embodies these qualities. His vision for a secure, united, and prosperous Kogi aligns with the hopes of the people, especially the youth who want a future with opportunities and growth.

History shows that great leaders rise in times of great need. Kogi State is at such a time. The leader who can rise to this occasion is clearly Dr. Folabora Bryhm. Under his leadership, the people of Kogi can expect peace, progress, and dedicated governance.

Let us unite Kogi West, Central, and East under one vision—one Kogi State. Dr. Folabora is the leader who can turn that vision into reality.

Hon. M. Sani
Writing from the Confluence City of Lokoja, Kogi State

"Building Nigeria's Industrial Future, One Steel at a Time"
PRESS STATEMENT
AJAOKUTA STEEL PLANT: A NATIONAL ASSET, NOT A GRAVEYARD - RESPONSE TO ALIKO DANGOTE'S UNFORTUNATE REMARKS
My attention has been drawn to recent comments attributed to Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing the Ajaokuta Steel Plant as obsolete and comparing its revitalization to "reviving the dead from a graveyard" or bringing back "someone on life support."
While I hold Alhaji Dangote in high regard as a successful businessman and appreciate his contributions to Nigeria's economy, I must respectfully but firmly disagree with his assessment of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and challenge the unfortunate analogies he employed.
THE FACTS ABOUT AJAOKUTA STEEL PLANT
Historical Significance: The Ajaokuta Steel Plant remains one of the largest steel complexes in Africa, designed with a capacity to produce 1.3 million tons of liquid steel annually. This facility represents decades of national investment and strategic planning for Nigeria's industrialization.
Current Asset Value: Recent technical assessments have confirmed that substantial infrastructure remains intact and viable. The plant's basic oxygen furnaces, rolling mills, and significant portions of the auxiliary facilities are salvageable and can be upgraded with modern technology.
Strategic Location: Ajaokuta's location provides unparalleled access to iron ore deposits in Itakpe, limestone in Okene, coal from Enugu, and water from the River Niger - making it naturally positioned as Nigeria's steel hub.
Economic Potential: Independent studies estimate that a fully operational Ajaokuta Steel Plant could create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs while saving Nigeria billions of dollars currently spent on steel imports.
Contrary to Mr. Dangote's characterization, Ajaokuta is not a graveyard but a sleeping giant. The comparison to reviving the dead is not only inappropriate but factually incorrect. Industrial plants, unlike living organisms, can be successfully revitalized with proper investment and modern technology.
GLOBAL EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL STEEL PLANT REVIVALS
History is replete with examples of successfully revitalized steel plants:
Germany's ThyssenKrupp: Modernized decades-old facilities to become world-class producers
China's Baosteel: Transformed aging infrastructure into one of the world's largest steel producers
India's Tata Steel: Successfully upgraded century-old plants to modern standards
Brazil's CSN: Revitalized state-owned steel facilities through strategic partnerships
These examples prove that with vision, investment, and proper management, steel plants can be transformed from dormant assets to productive industrial powerhouses.
THE DANGER OF DEFEATIST RHETORIC
Mr. Dangote's comments, while perhaps well-intentioned, risk undermining national morale and investor confidence in one of Nigeria's most strategic assets. Such rhetoric can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, discouraging the very investments needed to realize the plant's potential.
As a nation, we must reject the mentality that labels our strategic assets as "dead" or "obsolete." Instead, we should approach challenges with the same entrepreneurial spirit that made Mr. Dangote successful in his own ventures.
I wish to inform the public that significant progress is being made toward Ajaokuta's revival:
• The Federal Government has renewed commitment to the project under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration
• Technical partnerships are being explored with experienced international steel producers
• The National Assembly continues to provide legislative support for the project's realization
• Local and international investors have expressed interest in public-private partnership arrangements
Rather than dismissing Ajaokuta as obsolete, I invite Mr. Dangote and other successful Nigerian entrepreneurs to consider constructive engagement with the project. His expertise in large-scale industrial operations could be valuable in developing a viable revival strategy.
The steel industry requires massive capital investment - an area where Mr. Dangote's experience and resources could make a significant difference. Instead of writing off the project, let us explore how private sector expertise can complement government efforts.
One cannot help but wonder whether Mr. Dangote's position is influenced by his own business interests. His recent venture into steel production might benefit from the continued dormancy of Ajaokuta, as it would eliminate a major potential competitor in the Nigerian steel market.
It is concerning that a prominent Nigerian businessman would publicly discourage investment in a national asset that could transform Nigeria's industrial landscape. This position appears to prioritize private monopolistic interests over national industrial development.
As the elected representative of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, I remain committed to:
• Advocating for sustained government investment in the steel plant
• Facilitating partnerships between government and credible private investors
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in all revival efforts
• Providing legislative support for policies that promote the steel industry
I call upon:
The Federal Government: To intensify efforts toward Ajaokuta's revival and reject defeatist narratives
Private Investors: To look beyond surface challenges and see the enormous potential
International Partners: To consider Nigeria's steel industry as a viable investment destination
The Media: To provide balanced reporting that highlights both challenges and opportunities
Fellow Legislators: To continue supporting legislative measures that facilitate the plant's revival
CONCLUSION
Ajaokuta Steel Plant is not a patient on life support or a corpse in a graveyard - it is a strategic national asset awaiting the right combination of political will, technical expertise, and financial investment. With over 40% of the plant's infrastructure still intact and Nigeria's growing steel demand, the economic case for revival remains compelling.
We must not allow pessimism to triumph over possibility. The same determination that built Nigeria's oil industry, telecommunications sector, and banking industry can revive our steel industry. Ajaokuta represents hope for Nigeria's industrial future, not a monument to past failures.
I urge all stakeholders to approach this national project with optimism, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit. Together, we can transform Ajaokuta from a symbol of unfulfilled potential into a beacon of Nigeria's industrial renaissance.
Nigeria deserves a steel industry, and Ajaokuta remains our best pathway to achieving this goal.
Signed:
Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem
Member, House of Representatives
Ajaokuta Federal Constituency
Kogi State

PRESS STATEMENT
REBUTTAL TO FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATIONS CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
My attention has been drawn to a malicious and false narrative making rounds on various social media platforms, alleging that I ordered the arrest and dismissal of a part-time teacher, Mr. Adeiza Onujabe, for supposedly "hailing President Tinubu's led Federal Government project" in my constituency.

This allegation is not only false but represents a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation and mislead the good people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and Nigerians at large.

THE FACTS
I wish to categorically state the following facts:

First, I have never ordered the arrest or dismissal of Mr. Adeiza Onujabe or any other teacher in my constituency. Such actions are beyond my constitutional powers as a federal legislator, and I would never abuse whatever influence I have to victimize any citizen exercising their fundamental rights.

Second, regarding the six-classroom block project in Eganyi, I have always been transparent about the source of funding. The project was given to me as a member of the Constituency Outreach Committee which I deemed fit for the Community Secondary School in Eganyi that has never received any Government Intervention in the last 20years. As a Federal Lawmaker, it is my duty to attract meaningful developmental projects to my Constituency for the benefit of our children and community.

Third, I have consistently supported and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and all federal government interventions in our constituency. Why would I punish anyone for doing the same?
Throughout my tenure as the representative of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, I have maintained an open-door policy and have always encouraged constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including teachers, students, community leaders, and all citizens within my constituency.

I have never claimed personal credit for federal government projects. My role has always been clear – to advocate for, and ensure proper implementation of projects that benefit my constituents, regardless of the source of funding.

I call on all media practitioners and social media users to verify information before publication. The spread of false information not only damages individuals but also undermines public trust in our democratic institutions.
I hereby reserve the right to pursue legal action against individuals or organizations involved in spreading these false and defamatory statements about my person and office.

I remain committed to serving the good people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency with dedication, transparency, and accountability. I will continue to work tirelessly to attract more federal government interventions and projects to our constituency while giving credit where it is due.

I urge my constituents to disregard this false narrative and continue to support the various developmental initiatives we are pursuing for the overall benefit of our constituency.

The people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency deserve better than the politics of lies and character assassination. Let us focus on the real issues that matter - education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment of our people.

Signed:
Ms. Latifah Aspitah Isah FCAI
Technical Assistant to Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem
Member, House of Representatives
Ajaokuta Federal Constituency
Kogi State.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing it as a painful and irreparable loss to the global youth movement and the democratic community at large.

In a statement released on Sunday, Frank said: “Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a big loss to this generation - not just to the United States of America, but to young people all over the world. At only 31, he had already begun to shape political discourse beyond America’s borders.

“Kirk was a rising star, a passionate patriot, and a man whose love for God, country, and humanity was evident in everything he stood for.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and the United States Government to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

"It is important that justice is served swiftly and decisively, not only to bring closure to his family and supporters but also to send a strong message that such cowardly acts of violence have no place in any democratic society.

“I commend both the U.S. Government and the Government of the State of Utah for the progress made so far in the investigations and for keeping the public duly informed," he said.

Frank further described Kirk as a role model whose life embodied the ideals of democracy.

"Charlie Kirk represented the truth that young people are indeed the future of politics and governance. While many may not have agreed with all his political opinions, there is no doubt that he lived for what he believed in - freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the pursuit of democratic ideals. His life and work will remain a source of inspiration to generations of young leaders worldwide," he added.

Expressing his deepest condolences, Frank said:
"I commiserate with the Kirk family, his followers, and supporters both in the United States and across the world. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the United States and to President Donald Trump.

“May Charlie Kirk’s gentle soul rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
He concluded with a call for unity and reflection: “Let Charlie Kirk’s life remind us all that no matter our political differences, violence and the taking of human life remain cowardly acts that run contrary to the ideals of democracy and humanity.

“May his teachings and his example continue to inspire a world where dialogue, freedom, and respect for differing opinions thrive."


Signed
Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East

September 12, 2025

Former House of Representatives aspirant, Captain Timi Iyela, on Thursday commiserated with the families of policemen killed in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Iyela expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved, particularly the family of the late Mr. Albert John Dele Jones, an indigene of Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of the state.

“I am deeply pained by the murder of our gallant police officers by men of the underworld,” he said.

The ex-House of Reps aspirant called on government authorities to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“I sympathise greatly with the families, and I pray Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Iyela concluded.


Signed:
TIMI IYELA MEDIA ORGANIZATION
(TIMOG)

Comr. Sunday Emmanuel Akerele hails the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu on his overwhelming achievements within the Two Years in Office



“On this special occasion, it is with great admiration that we celebrate Hon Minister of Steel Development of Nigeria, Shaibu Abubakar Audu. A distinguished leader and a paragon of integrity, an intelligent workaholic, diligent in delivery and above all, simple and God fearing.

“The Honorable Minister’s commitment to service and humanitarian dedication to your constituents, have not gone unnoticed. His efforts to bring positive change and progress to steel industries in Nigeria have made a significant impact on the lives of many. His vision and determination are truly inspiring, and they serve as a beacon of hope for us all.

Within two years, Minister Shaibu Audu has displayed an unwavering dedication to transforming Nigeria's steel sector, recognizing it as the logical move for revival of industrial growth and a catalyst for job creation. Through strategic initiatives, he has advocated for policies that enhance local production capacities and promote the use of indigenous raw materials. This focus on self-sufficiency aligns with the larger vision of reducing import dependence and bolstering the nation's economy.

-Engagement with the National Assembly for the Passage of the Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill 2023.
This particular bill has been lying dead for a 16 years or more but through the help through the influence of Hon Minister of Steel Development, the bill has passed the second Reading. This is a huge achievement.

-Commissioning of the Orbit Galvanized Steel Plant with an estimated annual turnover of about $100 million which has the capacity to produce fabricated towers for building telecommunication towers for indigenous projects and exports.

-Partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to commence the production of Military hardwares such as riffles, vests, helmets and bullets, at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

-Designing an in-house 10-year Road Map for the revitalization of the steel industry by an in-house technical team to chart the course for the revival of the entire steel sector, while the Ministry continues to seek private sector financing, including from the World Bank to develop a comprehensive Road Map in collaboration with external experts in line with international standards.

-Efforts towards the re-operation of the Aluminum Smelter Company Limited (ALSCON), and Delta Steel (now Premium Mines and Steel Limited).

-Encouraging and incorporating private steel players in the revival plans of the FGN. The AIG Group made an investment of $600 million in the steel sector in its 900-hectare iron ore mine in Gujeni, Kaduna State. KAM also has multi-million dollar plants in Ilorin and Sagamu.

-A robust retreat organised for staff of the Ministry to sensitize them on the mandate of the newly established Ministry in order for them to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the steel sector.

-The official groundbreaking ceremony of the Inner Galaxy Group’s Stellar Steel Plant, a $400 million investment in Ogun State. That plant is expected to be completed and commissioned by April 2026.

-The maiden National Steel Summit which brought together key stakeholders in the steel and metals sector to critically evaluate the state of the industry and to adopt a consensus roadmap for the revival and sustainable development of Nigeria’s steel sector, to help create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and to position Nigeria as a major Steel hub for Sub-Saharan Africa by producing 10 million metric tonnes of liquid steel annually in order to contribute significantly to the $1 trillion GDP target by 2030

This period underscores a commitment to the steel industry and its vital role in national development, highlighting achievements that not only demonstrate effective leadership but also set the stage for future progress.

As the Honourable Minister continues his journey, his hard work and devotion are appreciated and celebrated. I am confident that he will keep making strides towards a better future for all.

Sunday Emmanuel A.
Writing from Yagba west, Kogi State.

As Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu marks two years in office as the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, we find ourselves at a significant milestone that invites both reflection and celebration. This period underscores a commitment to the steel industry and its vital role in national development, highlighting achievements that not only demonstrate effective leadership but also set the stage for future progress.

In the last two years, Minister Audu has displayed unwavering dedication to transforming Nigeria's steel sector, recognizing it as the backbone of industrial growth and a catalyst for job creation. Through strategic initiatives, he has advocated for policies that enhance local production capacities and promote the use of indigenous raw materials. This focus on self-sufficiency aligns with the larger vision of reducing import dependence and bolstering the nation's economy.

Achievements during this tenure include significant partnerships with local and international stakeholders aimed at revitalizing the steel production ecosystem. Under his guidance, there have been considerable investments in infrastructure and technology, which are crucial for modernizing steel plants and improving operational efficiencies. These actions have not only increased output but have also positioned the Nigerian steel industry as a competitive player in the global market.

The minister has prioritized environmental sustainability, promoting practices that align with global standards. Initiatives to incorporate green technologies aim to minimize the ecological footprint of steel production, ensuring that the industry contributes to sustainable development goals while addressing climate change challenges.

Recognizing the importance of human capital development, Minister Audu has initiated programs focused on skills training and capacity building. By empowering the workforce, he is fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, thus ensuring that the industry is equipped with the necessary skills to meet current and future demands.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, it is also essential to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The path to achieving a robust and self-sustaining steel industry is fraught with obstacles, including fluctuating global markets and infrastructural deficiencies. However, with the strategic vision displayed thus far, there is a strong foundation to build upon. Future goals must focus on enhancing research and development, promoting collaborations with academic institutions, and creating policies that incentivize private sector investments.

Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu’s two-year tenure as the Honourable Minister of Steel Development stands as a testament to his commitment to steering Nigeria’s steel industry towards a prosperous future. As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is imperative to continue the momentum built over the last two years. By fostering innovation, embracing sustainable practices, and investing in human capital, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria's steel sector, driving economic growth and ensuring a brighter future for all.

Comrade Moses Abayomi writes from Ijumu local gvt of Kogi state

It was a thing of joy yesterday when thousands of PDP members in Adavi Local Government Area lead by Honorable Hassan Sadiq to embrace the ADC.
Delivering his speech, Honorable Sadiq declared that the entire equity and justice PDP structures in Adavi has been collapsed for ADC for the growth of the party.
He said “Our exit from People’s Democratic Party has made the party an orphan in search of a leader.’

Honorable Sadiq urge the few card carry members of PDP to embrace ADC for equity in, justice and fair play. The remnants remain in that party to distract the electorates from their self inflicted failure in the party. He commended Distinguished Senator Ahmed Ogembe for his foresight by leaving PDP with the party structures at all levels.
According to him, the ADC is a moving train that will deliver dividend of democracy and that will also improve the living standard of our society.

Dr. Folabora Bryhm, a philanthropist, business mogul, and politician, has congratulated the people of Kogi State on the occasion of the state’s 34th anniversary since its creation.

He described Kogi as a strategic hub connecting the North and South of Nigeria, famously known as the Confluence State, with a rich history dating back to the colonial era under Lord Frederick Lugard.

According to Dr. Folabora, “Kogi is richly blessed with abundant resources which, when harnessed, will continue to serve both the state and the nation at large.”

He urged the people of Kogi. Okun, Igala, and Ebira to remain united in brotherhood, emphasizing that unity and harmony are the strongest pillars for the state’s growth and progress.

Dr. Folabora commended civil servants across the state for their selfless sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the development of Kogi.

“We celebrate 34 years of unity, resilience, and progress as a people. Our journey reminds us of how far we have come, while our future inspires us to dream bigger and work harder for the greatness of Kogi State,” he stated.


He congratulated all Kogites on this historic milestone and expressed optimism that together, the people will continue to build a state they can all be proud of.

Congratulations to Kogi State at 34!

Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki, Kogi State PDP Youth Leader, Congratulates Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf on His Birthday



Kogi State PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf (Teejay) on the occasion of his birthday.

Hon. Adazaki described Hon. Teejay as a leader whose humility, impactful service, and dedication to the people have remained exemplary. He noted that during his tenure at the National Assembly, representing Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber, Hon. Teejay touched many lives positively.

Even after leaving office, Hon. Teejay has continued to inspire the youth through mentorship and guidance, shaping their narrative towards a brighter and most purposeful future.

Hon. Adazaki prayed for Rt. Hon. Teejay’s continued rise to greater heights in every position he finds himself.

Signed:
Comr. Musa Adamu
Special Assistant on Media & Publicity

Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki Commiserates with Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan



Kogi State PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki, extends his heartfelt condolences to Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central, and the entire Ihima community, over the passing to glory of her beloved uncle/father, Elder David Okategwun Dele Akpoti.

Hon. Adazaki described Elder Akpoti’s demise as a great loss to the immediate family, the community, and all who knew him, noting that his legacy of love, guidance, and service will forever be remembered.

He prayed that God grants Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her entire family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace with Christ.

Signed:
Comr. Musa Adamu
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity