The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform programme, pledging closer cooperation with Nigeria to strengthen investor confidence, improve policy planning and unlock long-term capital inflows.

The commitment came during a meeting between President Tinubu and senior OECD officials on Friday in Kigali, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026.

Talks at the meeting focused on how the OECD could support Nigeria’s reform priorities through data-driven economic and investment frameworks covering public finance, trade competitiveness, investment facilitation, MSME growth, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and solid minerals development.

OECD Deputy Secretary-General, Frantisek Ruzicka, praised the Tinubu administration’s policy direction, particularly reforms aimed at improving public finances and restructuring the economy.

“We support and understand the pillars of your reforms. I think other leaders should learn from you, especially in improving public finances and working conditions.

OECD can be partners with you on the ongoing reforms, particularly the priorities,” Ruzicka said.

The discussions also examined ways of addressing Africa’s risk-perception challenge and creating a more transparent and predictable investment environment capable of attracting sustainable capital.

President Tinubu said Africa must redefine global perceptions about its business environment by demonstrating greater accountability, transparency and discipline in project execution.

“Africa’s risk perception must change. Africa must be disciplined and accountable over various projects. We welcome structured cooperation between Nigeria and OECD in support of ongoing reforms in Nigeria,” the President stated.

Tinubu also defended some of his administration’s major economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, insisting the measures were necessary to stabilise the economy and ensure fairness.

“The removal of the subsidy was necessary. Yes, there was a fight back. Easy access is hard to give up. Even the multiple exchange rates had to go. I have come to serve my people, not to benefit a few,” he said.

The President stressed the need for Africa to deepen value-chain development, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, noting that the continent must move beyond exporting raw materials to building productive industrial economies.

The meeting further explored opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, including regional trade integration, support for small businesses and greater participation of African firms in global value chains.

Areas identified for possible collaboration include pharmaceuticals, regional industrialisation, MSME support, agriculture, investment promotion, solid minerals development and tax-to-GDP reforms.

The OECD also highlighted investment screening mechanisms and structured policy engagement models that could support investor decision-making and improve access to financing.

President Tinubu reiterated that transparency, market confidence and policy consistency would remain central to Nigeria’s economic strategy as the country seeks to position itself as a competitive investment destination in Africa.