African regional integration key to economic prosperity – Cavista Holdings Chairman Olajide
L-R: Former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni; Chairman, Cavista Holdings; John Olajide; Former President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi; President of Ghana/Honouree, John Dramani Mahama; and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi during the installation of President Mahama as Aare Atayeto Odua in Ile-Ife, Osun State recently
Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Corporate Council on Africa, Niyi John Olajide, has called on African leaders to close ranks and create enabling business environments that facilitate cross-border investment and economic integration across the continent.
A statement from the company said while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 10th Anniversary Chieftaincy Installation ceremony at the Ooni of Ife’s Palace on Monday, Olajide emphasized that Africa’s economic future depends on nations moving beyond rhetoric to establish practical frameworks for regional cooperation and private sector growth.
The historic ceremony, hosted by His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, saw Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto of Oodua. The event drew former President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, Aliko Dangote, the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero, and other prominent African leaders and business figures.
Business Integration as Path to Prosperity
Olajide argued that Africa’s 1.4 billion people and combined GDP of over $3 trillion remain underutilized due to fragmented markets and restrictive cross-border business policies.
“Nigeria’s prosperity is inextricably linked to Ghana’s success. Progress in one African nation creates opportunity across the continent,” Olajide stated. “We must eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that discourage regional investment and make it easier for African businesses to operate across our borders.”
The Chairman specifically commended business leaders like Dangote who have expanded investments across African borders, demonstrating the viability of pan-African enterprise.
