Program

Key points

• • Local currency: How to mobilise the vast local currency resources on the continent

• • Local banks: Innovating towards project finance transactions

• •  International investors: What are they looking for in local equity and financing partners?

The process of globalisation and trade liberalisation we have been experiencing since the post-war era is at an end, as evidenced by the shutdown of the WTO’s top court, Brexit, the expanded use of retaliatory economic measures, the battle for semiconductor supremacy and heightened tensions over digital security. What’s more, the trend towards isolationism has picked up pace, with the global public health crisis raising questions about vaccine access. Given Africa’s status as the world’s most trade-dependent continent – it conducts nearly 84% of its trade with international partners – and that it recently launched the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), what implications might the ongoing reconfiguration of global trade have for Africa?

Key points  

• International trade wars: Dangers and opportunities
• AfCFTA: Finding an implementation strategy amid renewed national protectionism
• Future of trade: The private sector’s upcoming needs

Africa’s sixth richest man, CEO of the conglomerate BUA Group (specialised in cement, agribusiness and logistics) discusses how business growth can be sustained on a continent the IMF says is facing “economic calamity” post-COVID-19. The Nigerian cement tycoon has seen the stock value of BUA Cement PLC double since a Nigerian Stock Exchange listing in January 2020, while the tycoon’s sugar and foods businesses are upping production capacity and leveraging international partnerships. CNN’s Eleni Giokos asks Mr Rabiu if revenues and expansion can endure the volatile business climate and how he sees the future of industry in Africa. 

A new industrial revolution is taking shape through technological advances in fields ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to synthetic biology to nanoscience and quantum computing. It will impact all industries and has the power to break the compromise between sustainability and profitability, while enabling start-ups to tackle pressing challenges once addressed only by states. This session will discuss how the Deep Tech revolution will impact Africa and how companies and governments should prepare. 

As the foremost annual meeting of the private sector on the continent, the AFRICA CEO FORUM is the leading platform for public-private dialogue. ‘Invest In’ sessions allow CEOs and investors to meet with high-level African government officials to gain deeper insight into their countries’ economic development strategies. These sessions provide exposure to a variety of key sectors, business environments, and public and private investment opportunities. 

Digital innovators and start-ups valued at over $1bn are emerging across the continent. Today’s unicorns are mainly fintech and e-commerce startups, but other domains such as GreenTech are emerging. This session will showcase two flagship case studies of pan-African digital innovators, who will share their experiences in building innovative businesses at scale.

Key points :

• Embracing a culture of innovation
• What lessons can we learn from Africa’s digital champions ?
• What role will AI and tech play to create a sustainable competitive advantage ?