The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has advised government to explore innovative ways to improve revenue collection and reduce the reliance on foreign aid.

Speaking at the Leadership Conversation 2025 organised by the University of Gold Coast, she stressed that foreign aid is not sufficient in pulling a country out from poverty.

“We all have to be looking within ourselves, to see what we can do for ourselves. No country has been able to develop with aid or assistance”, she said.

According to her, trade and investment are pivotal in shaping the economic growth and development of a nation.

“We now have to look at what we can do, and it is only trade and investment that can pull us out of poverty and ensure our development”, she said.

She highlighted that the Commonwealth is looking at trade and investment as key focus areas for developing countries.

“That is why the Commonwealth is looking at trading and investment as a key way for us to develop our countries.”

The Gold Coast Leadership Conversation served as a platform for engaging discussions on policy formulation, economic sustainability, and leadership ethics.