President Goodluck Jonathan said African countries must shift from raw materials export to finished goods in order to achieve economic growth.

Speaking when he received outgoing Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Onyango Aparr at State House yesterday, Jonathan challenged African countries to become globally competitive and begin exporting finished products to the outside world.

The president said economic growth was necessary for political stability.

Earlier, Aparr thanked Jonathan for Nigeria's assistance through the Technical Aid Corps, as well as the strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The president also commended outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ali Rifat Koksal for sustaining cordial relations between Nigeria and his country.

Jonathan also acknowledged the building of a Turkish hospital in Abuja.