Nigeria, Sept. 9 -- The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has warned West African countries against depending on external assistance to finance their development.

Speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) in Abuja on Monday, Mr Edun said dwindling global support, rising debt costs, and shrinking fiscal space leave Africa with only one option: to rely on internal reforms, domestic revenue growth, and private sector-led investment.

The minister described the moment as "defining," noting that Africa faces the convergence of elevated debt servicing obligations, constrained revenues, and growing social demands.

Placing ...