Lady Jane’s Commentary on Investment
Saudi Arabia — rich in oil, wealth, and influence — has long held a powerful role on the global stage. When they speak, nations listen. But Lady Jane poses a critical question: How far do you want us to jump? How high should we go?
At a recent press conference, the Saudi Prince addressed the people with an air of confrontation. He likened investment to “bees and honey,” saying:
“Investment is like honey — when it’s flowing, the bees come. You don’t chase investment. You don’t beg for it. Investors should be the ones chasing you.”
She emphasizes that real investment comes when a country positions itself as attractive — secure, promising, and thriving. You don’t write letters begging for investors; they should be calling you.
Lessons from Nigeria’s Recent Economic Challenges
Lady Jane draws a stark comparison to Nigeria, where things have dramatically shifted since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
She observes:
Hundreds of businesses have shut down.
Foreign investors have pulled out.
Legal systems have failed to protect them.
Assets have been seized or destroyed, and compensation is nonexistent.
Many of these were international investors who trusted Nigeria and now regret it, after watching their investments disappear without recourse. She laments, “It’s just so unbelievable.”
A Surprising Offer from the Saudi Crown Prince
In an unexpected turn, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made an offer to Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, to build 200 mosques in the country.
To Lady Jane, the offer felt out of touch:
“Does the Prince think Africans are still asleep like during the colonial days? Things are different now. Africans have woken up, and there’s nothing anybody can do about it.”
She criticizes the outdated mindset behind the offer — assuming that a religious gift would impress or persuade modern African leaders, without addressing the real needs of the people.
The Phone Call: Traoré vs. Bin Salman
During the phone call, the conversation reportedly unfolded like this:
Mohammed bin Salman: “I want to come and invest in your country.”
Ibrahim Traoré: “OK, I’m listening… But how do you want to invest?”
Salman: “I want to build 200—”
Traoré (interrupting): “200 what?”
Salman: “200 mosques.”
At this point, Lady Jane imagines President Traoré tuning out, barely listening as the conversation lost all sense of mutual purpose. “Thank you,” Traoré reportedly replied, “But we don’t need more mosques.”
Ibrahim Traoré’s Bold Response
Despite being a devout Muslim himself, President Ibrahim Traoré respectfully declined the offer. Instead, he made a counterproposal:
“Thank you for your generosity. But what my country needs is not more mosques — we need schools, hospitals, and industries that can create jobs for the people of Burkina Faso.”
Traoré pointed out that people can pray anywhere. Referencing the resilience of Gaza, he said:
“If the people of Gaza can still find a way to pray amid war and destruction, then so can my people. Right now, we don’t need 200 mosques. We need infrastructure, education, and opportunity.”
The Leadership Africa Needs
At just 36 years old, Ibrahim Traoré is the youngest head of state in Africa — and one of the boldest. His decision not only showcased clarity of vision but also reinforced a strong commitment to sovereignty and practical leadership.
Lady Jane applauds Traoré’s response, calling it “exceptional leadership.” She notes that:
“The West has reportedly tried to assassinate him at least 16 times in the last two years. Why? Because they fear a sovereign, brilliant African mind who refuses to be a puppet.”
Final Thoughts
The exchange between Mohammed bin Salman and Ibrahim Traoré is more than a diplomatic phone call — it’s a symbol of a changing Africa.
Gone are the days when African leaders bowed to the highest bidder. Now, leaders like Traoré are demanding real value, long-term investment, and respect for their people’s needs.
Africa has awakened — and it’s ready to rise.
