Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan spoke about the rapid development and growing importance of the African continent during the SPIEF plenary session on Friday.

"By 2050, one in four human beings on this planet will be African. Africa will be the only continent on Earth still adding workers to the global labour force on a large scale," she began. "Africa will host nine of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies. The African Continental Free Trade Area, when fully operational, will constitute the largest single market in the world by population. This is not just a forecast but an arithmetic calculation. Africa is destined to grow."

Referring to Russian-Tanzanian relations, Hassan noted the long history that binds the two nations. She voiced her hope for the continued expansion of mutually advantageous co-operation across all sectors.

The 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) takes place on June 3-6. More than 20,000 people are set to attend, with politicians from around 76 countries making the journey. Since its establishment in 1997, the forum has served as a platform for international dialogue on global economic issues. Vladimir Putin has taken part in the event regularly since 2005.