Botswana’s President Duma Boko declared at the World Government Summit in Dubai that “Africa is poised to rule the world,” highlighting the continent’s youthful population and growing innovation as key drivers of its future influence. Speaking with journalist Tucker Carlson, Boko emphasized the opportunities available to young Africans and the potential for the continent to play a leading role on the global stage.

Botswana’s President Duma Boko:

Africa is poised to rule the world.

Tucker Carlson:

So, what are your plans for the world once you rule it?

Boko:

To make it fairer, to make it more equitable. To ensure that intellectual property is internalized in every part of the… pic.twitter.com/C7FCYg7pC6

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 4, 2026

During the conversation, Carlson asked Boko about his message to young people in Botswana, particularly in the context of migration to other countries. Boko described young Africans as “innovative” and “entrepreneurial” and noted that they are increasingly “digital natives.” He argued that this combination of skills and technological fluency offers unprecedented opportunities for young people to make an impact while remaining in Botswana. “These opportunities mean they can pretty much operate wherever they are and they must, as a matter of course, remain within Botswana so that they can then spread their reach and influence to every part from Botswana,” Boko said.

Boko framed Botswana as a hub for education, training, and skill development, providing a supportive environment that “feeds and fuels their vitality.” He also contextualized this within the broader African demographic, noting the continent’s median age of 19.3, compared with Botswana’s median of 25, and suggesting that Africa’s young population is a strategic advantage. “With such a population, Africa is poised to rule the world,” he said.

The conversation turned to Boko’s broader vision for Africa’s global role. He described a future focused on fairness, equity, and inclusive economic growth. “To make it fairer, to make it more equitable, to ensure that intellectual property is internalized in every part of the African continent, that innovation serves humanity, not just a predatory elite, and that everybody can partake equitably and benefit from the fruits of the economy and the vast opportunities that are available in the world,” Boko said.

Boko’s remarks underscore a growing narrative among African leaders about leveraging the continent’s demographic and technological potential to assert greater influence internationally. With young, educated populations and increasing investment in innovation and digital skills, African nations are positioning themselves to play a more decisive role in global economic and technological development.