Program 2023


  • (GMT)
    BREAKFAST EVENT | Logistics 4.0: Accelerating Africa's Digital Revolution

    [By invitation only. Hosted by Maersk. Presentations in English]

    Post-Covid has seen a sharp increase in the need for supply chain resiliency. While Africa is mainly a blind spot for visible supply chains, huge opportunities are emerging for the continent to gain a competitive edge as an alternative sourcing destination through digitalisation. How can Africa harness its digital potential across industries and supply chains?


  • (GMT)
    SIDE-EVENT | Investing in innovation (i3) Pitch Event for Healthtech startup

    [By invitation only]

    Investing in Innovation (I3) and its partners organize an exclusive and private two-hour session dedicated to healthtech.

    11 health startups from i3 first cohort will have the opportunity to pitch and present their innovative and impactful business models.

    Sponsored by a consortium of donors (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and Industry Leaders (MSD, AmerisourceBergen, Chemonics and Microsoft), I3 is a unique pan-African initiative to boost the commercialization and impact of health supply chain start-ups in Africa. Over two years, 60 highly promising early-stage and/or growth stage companies will receive support through grants, access to markets and investment readiness.


  • (GMT)
    AFC BREAKFAST : Ensuring Africa's Trillion Dollar Carbon Market benefits Africans

    Africa currently produces only a tiny percentage of its carbon credit potential. For developing countries, the sale of sovereign carbon credits could represent a radical paradigm shift with a projected increase in GDP of 30 to 50% in the countries of the three basins. This breakfast panel hosted by Africa Finance Corporation ( AFC) will identify and explore in detail the tremendous opportunities that the evolving carbon markets present for African countries to arrest the world’s fast pace of deforestation, while unlocking economic value from abundant natural resources, accelerating industrialization and diversification, and fostering sustainable development.

    By invitation only. Hosted by AFC. Session in English only

     

    President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation
    UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, UNFCC
    Professor, University of Cape Town

  • (GMT)
    INDUSTRY OUTLOOK | Consumer goods: How to manage inflation without alienating customers

    The typical grocery bill (40% of consumer spending) in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 8.5% between 2020 and 2022, and inflation jumped a further 10% in February of this year. Continued global volatility, a strong dollar, and rising cost of inputs are prompting FMCG companies to optimize supply chains and pass on some of these costs to consumers. But to what extent can low-income populations cope with further price increases? What can FMCG industry players do to soften the blow while maintaining margins?  

    Key points: 

    • Passing on rising input costs to African consumers: inevitable or avoidable? 

    • Operational efficiency: How can distribution and retail networks be modernised? 

    • What national and regional policies could mitigate the rising cost of living? 

    Correspondent, The Africa Report
    Managing Director & Partner, BCG
    Group Executive Director, TGI Group
    CEO, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
    Executive Vice-President, Humanitarian and Development, Mastercard
    Senior Partner, Amethis

  • (GMT)
    Women Working For Change | From 300 to 3,000: What if tomorrow’s African champions were women?

    Women represent an untapped economic opportunity on the continent. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, closing the gender gap could generate an additional $95 billion annually. Female CEOs at companies such as East African Breweries and Impala Platinum Holdings demonstrate every day how they can boost their organisation’s profitability. Yet studies show that gender parity in Africa is stagnating, and that the private sector has yet to grasp the link between women’s career progression, economic growth, and the next generation of African champions. What are the best practices for addressing inequality and getting women to the top?   

    Key points:  

    • Inequality in financing: What tools are there to support businesses run by female entrepreneurs? 

    • Large companies: How can women’s access to management positions be encouraged? 

    • Promoting diversity: Engaging the private sector alongside governments and NGOs 

    Group Executive Consumer Banking, Ecobank
    Managing Director & Partner, BCG
    Chief Operating Officer , Casablanca Finance City Authority
    CEO, Dangote Foundation
    CEO, Bank of Kigali PLC
    CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank
    CEO, Transcorp PLC
    Group CEO, Ecobank

  • (GMT)
    STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE | Renewable energies: What can be done to revitalize the sector?

    Access via sign-up on the event app or by invitation only.

    Africa’s renewable energy (RE) sector attracted just $2.6bn in FDI in 2021, the lowest in eleven years and a figure that contrasts sharply with recent investments in oil and gas. The Noor solar plant (Morocco) and the Chollet dam (Cameroon/DRC) are among several major projects that are lagging behind. In addition to financing difficulties and construction delays, inflation is affecting materials supply, reference costs and repayment times. This roundtable discussion with DFIs, banks, government representatives, and energy companies explores how stakeholders can work together to breathe new life into the sector.  

    Discussion points:  

    • How can renewable energy projects be renegotiated to incorporate rising costs?

    • DFIs, governments, private sector: How can financing for RE be increased?

    • How can financing packages be structured to mitigate the effects of “known unknowns” such as inflation 

    Partner, Mckinsey & Company, Africa
    Area Managing Director, Eastern Africa Area, AP-Moller Maersk
    Deputy CEO, Masen
    Senior Vice President Africa and Middle East, EDF
    Chief Executive Officer Designate, MAURITIUS COMMERCIAL BANK (MCB)
    Senior Vice President, Investments Department, Africa Finance Corporation
    Managing Director, BNETD

  • (GMT)
    DEAL ROOM CÔTE D’IVOIRE

    Limited number of places. Registration via the Forum App only.

    During these roundtables, governments and national investment promotion agencies will present before a select group of investors and business leaders a number of impactful public-private partnership projects for stimulating economic development. Covering a range of sectors, including agribusiness, energy and sustainable development, the roundtables provides an up-close look at some exciting projects.


  • (GMT)
    INVEST IN | GABON

    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. 

    Country Managing Partner, EY
    Prime Minister, Gabonese Republic
    Directrice régionale pour l'Afrique centrale, le Libéria, le Nigéria et la Sierra Leone, IFC
    Minister of Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships in charge of improving the business environment, Gabonese Republic
    Minister of the Economy and Recovery, Gabonese Republic
    Minister of Water, Forests, Sea and Environment , Gabonese Republic
    Gabon Country Office Manager, AfDB
    Managing Director, AOM Global SA

  • (GMT)
    INDUSTRY OUTLOOK | AfCFTA: How to create multi-modal transport systems and boost cross-border trade

    With road, rail, air, and maritime trade transport set to increase by 50% through the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), modernised intra-African links will be critical. Three-quarters of intra-African goods are carried on often under-maintained roads and are subject to frequent security and customs checkpoints. Demand is projected to be strongest for maritime links (22% of intra-African freight) though aging and majority non-African-owned fleets pose barriers. Meanwhile, disjointed colonial-era rail networks currently play a limited role. Projects such as a recent Abidjan-Lagos Corridor present progress, but how can such initiatives succeed and what further cross-border links are needed to capitalise on AfCFTA? 

    Key points

    • Unlocking cross-border success: From project financing to synchronising intermodal transport 

    • Modernising customs and border processes: Streamlining intra-Africa crossings 

    • Futureproofing: Factoring in green transport and climate-resilience while remaining cost-efficient 

    Anchor & Business Journalist, RTI
    Area Managing Director CWA Area, AP-Moller Maersk
    Chief Business Development Officer, Transnet SOC LTD
    Managing Director, Port Autonome d'Abidjan
    CFO Ports and Terminals, AGL
    Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce

  • (GMT)
    CONVERSATION WITH | H.E. Wamkele Mene & Prof. Benedict Oramah

    Two key figures in the pursuit of free movement of capital, H.E. Wamkele Mene, the first Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) and Professor Benedict Oramah the President and Chairman of Afreximbank, ​​​are working tirelessly to optimize cross-border payments (Pan-African Payments And Settlement System – PAPSS) digitalise intra-African trade and eliminate trade barriers. The leaders engage on how to boost capital flows and create one African market for the world’s largest free trade area in the face of geopolitical challenges, including multiple memberships of the Regional Economic Communities and protectionism.

    AFIS Director, AFRICA CEO FORUM
    Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
    President & Chairman, Afreximbank

  • (GMT)
    PANEL | Free movement of capital: Forging ahead against all odds

    Last year saw two major achievements in capital markets: the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) pilot project and the AELP Link interconnection securities trading platform. In the long run, these initiatives should increase free movement of capital among African countries – without routing through a third country – and promote economic integration. But how can countries take advantage of these platforms given the differences between economies, currencies and border control regulations?  

    Key points

    • Inflation, dollar shortage and the liquidity crunch: How can we leverage the potential of innovative platforms? 

    • Digital financial services: What infrastructure is required for an efficient, regulated system? 

    • Cooperation: What role should central banks and monetary authorities play?   

    AFIS Director, AFRICA CEO FORUM
    Division President, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mastercard
    CEO, MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank)
    Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, IFC
    Regional Head, Financial Markets, AME, Standard Chartered Bank
    CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited

  • (GMT)
    CONVERSATION WITH | Søren Toft

    MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has cemented its position as an African logistics powerhouse after finalising a €5.7bn takeover of Bolloré Africa Logistics in December 2022. Having recently rebranded that business as AGL (Africa Global Logistics), MSC now boasts the continent’s foremost collection of transport and logistics solutions, covering maritime shipping, inland transportation and warehousing and storage. In an exclusive interview, Mr Toft shares insights on why the logistics major is betting on Africa’s rising standing on the global stage. 

    International Correspondent, CNN
    CEO, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA

  • (GMT)
    STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE | Positioning Africa as a Green Hydrogen powerhouse

    Access via sign-up on the event app or by invitation only.

    While Africa produced only 1.7% of the global green hydrogen supply in 2022, low estimates suggest it could produce some 7 million tonnes in 2035 (17% of global supply), with high estimates even reaching 50 million tonnes. However, to realise this potential, stakeholders will need to grow demand, lower production, transport and storage costs, and strengthen regulatory frameworks. They will also need to close a colossal $40 billion per year funding shortfall. A closed-doors roundtable of government members, project developers and DFIs discusses how Africa can become a global hub for green hydrogen.  

    Discussion points:  

    • What national visions, strategic partnerships and regulatory frameworks are needed to attract private investment? 

    • Export or local energy needs: Where should Africa’s green hydrogen be directed?  

    • Innovative financing and technical assistance: How can DFIs leverage the requisite resources?   

    • Production, storage, distribution, use: Have pilot projects proven the technical and commercial viability of African green hydrogen? 

    UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, UNFCC
    Co-Founder, Southbridge A&I
    Chair, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board
    Deputy CEO, Masen
    President, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
    President Africa, Fortescue Future Industries

  • (GMT)
    INDUSTRY OUTLOOK | AfCFTA and agribusiness: Unleashing a new era for local manufacturing

    A single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trends to source raw materials locally to protect against foreign exchange risks, and import bans on selective foods in some countries, are shifting market conditions favourably for African manufacturing. Yet recurring concerns persist on African manufacturers’ capacity to guarantee product quality, a reliable and traceable raw material supply and to comply with international standards. How can governments and companies alter perceptions and direct investments effectively? 

    Key points:  

    • From 300 to 3,000: Can local sourcing foster the birth of African agribusiness giants? 

    • Private sector and governments: Ensuring sufficient infrastructure for African producers to tap African markets  

    • From EU due diligence to Africa’ varying standards: Harmonising and adopting evolving regulations 

    Journalist, Jeune Afrique
    Manager, Agribusiness & Forestry Africa, IFC
    Deputy CEO, Lagos Free Zone -Tolaram Africa
    CEO, Africa Improved Foods BV
    General Manager West Africa, Fan Milk
    CEO, Telcar Cocoa
    Minister of Commerce, Industry and SME Promotion, Republic of Ivory Coast

  • (GMT)
    PANEL | Urbanisation boom: Planning for the urban environment of tomorrow

    Africa is projected to have the world’s fastest urban growth rate; an extra 950 million people will be added to already densely populated cities by 2050. Urban centres like Lagos, Cairo and Nairobi face a lack of cheap, safe and reliable mobility, combined with inadequate utility provision, unsustainable housing and road networks that are stretched well-beyond capacity. This leaves town planners with a daunting task, but it offers significant opportunities for innovative businesses to fill gaps. How can public and private partners work together to tackle Africa’s urbanisation boom?  

    Key points: 

    • How can town planners re-think cities to supply the demands of Africa’s population growth and rapid urbanisation?  

    • Liveable urban spaces: What measures can ensure that cities not only cater to basic needs but vastly increase standards of living? 

    • Opportunities for the private sector: How can businesses fill the gap, offering affordable and sustainable solutions?  

    Vice President for Rides, Bolt
    CEO, Mitrelli Group Swiss AG
    Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

  • (GMT)
    Boosting the business of sports in Africa

    From the construction of 22 multi-purpose stadiums in Benin to the now unmissable Tour du Rwanda, and the development of the Basketball Africa League, the sports industry is booming in Africa. With a global sports market estimated at over 600 billion $, growing at a rate of 5% per year, the prospect of Africa moving into the age of professionalism is within reach. But faced with limited revenues and a lack of conviction from both public authorities and the private sector, what are the avenues for building an effective and sustainable economic model for sports ecosystems?   

    Key points:

    • Grants, investment in infrastructure, legal frameworks: what roles for public authorities?
    • Faced with the fragility of economic models, how to attract the private sector, investors, and financiers?
    • What are the winning recipes for developing ticketing in an African context marked by limited purchasing power?

    Journalist and TV Host, Medi1TV
    President, Basketball Africa League

  • (GMT)
    LEADERS VOICE | H.E Joseph DION NGUTE

    Faced with inflation of 6.2% in 2022, due in particular to rising food prices, Cameroon is seeking to reduce its dependence on the outside world and the volatility of hydrocarbon prices. But how can it truly achieve economic sovereignty? In this interview conducted by Khadija Ihsane, a journalist with the Moroccan channel Medi1TV, Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, will outline the keys to his economic strategy for increasing the country’s resilience to external shocks.


  • (GMT)
    CEO Talk | From 300 to 3,000: The road to one billion in revenue

    There are just 345 companies in Africa with revenues over $ 1 billion. Compare that to Asia (3,341), the USA and Canada (1,585), or Europe (2,752), and it becomes clear that Africa’s companies are leaving money on the table. What do all these companies have in common? They have cracked code to exponential returns: fast and sustained growth, and a high return on invested capital. For this CEO Talk, we have asked leaders who have reached the magic milestone and business executives of future African champions to discuss what it takes to reach a billion-dollar revenue. 

    Key points:  

    • Winning value propositions, strategic alliances, marquee customers: recipes for exponential growth 

    • National champions means national backing: the role of industrial policy as an enabler 

    • Beyond borders: lessons for African companies with international ambitions 

    Managing Partner, Mazars Maroc
    Chairman, Massmart Holding
    Chairman & CEO, Diana Holding
    CEO, Rawbank

  • (GMT)
    Women Working For Change | Gender parity as a strategic business goal

    Only one in three African CEOs cite gender diversity as a priority. Nonetheless, parity will not occur passively. While female representation in senior management and on boards has improved in recent years, this has been a result of proactive policies that includes careful planning, clear commitments from leaders, and ongoing evaluation. What can be done to make gender diversity a strategic corporate goal? 

     

     

    Director of the Sustainability (ESG) & Gender Solutions, IFC
    Chief Operating Officer , Casablanca Finance City Authority
    Regional Executive UEMOA, Ecobank
    Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, Republic of Senegal

  • (GMT)
    CONVERSATION WITH | Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

    Nigerian Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, founder of private equity fund Future Africa, has had his hand in three of Africa’s foremost tech startups – two of which are already unicorns. Aged just 31, he is co-founder and former CEO of Flutterwave (now $3bn valuation) and co-founder of Andela, a $1.5bn business providing digital HR resources for IT talent, and Moove.  In an exclusive interview, he outlines the current crises faced by the tech industry around the world, focus of investments for Future Africa, and the tech sub-sectors primed to cultivate the next African unicorns. 

    Partner, Mckinsey & Company

  • (GMT)
    INVEST IN | CAMEROUN

    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. 

    Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Republic of Cameroon
    Regional Senior Partner, KPMG
    Prime Minister, Head of Government, Republic of Cameroon
    Technical Advisor, MINEPAT
    Managing Director, Dangote Cement Cameroon
    Founding President, Glem Solutions Cameroon
    Deputy General Manager, Prometal
    President, GICAM

  • (GMT)
    INDUSTRY OUTLOOK | Accelerating rural connectivity and closing the digital divide

    Despite vast opportunities to expand rural connectivity and close the urban-rural divide (50% vs. 15% internet penetration), profitability for digital services in such zones has not yet matched urban centres due to low population density, high set-up costs, and a lack of relevant content and digital skills for rural customers. Low-cost mobile towers have tried to fill the gap, but 94% of Africa’s rural areas, home to more than half of Africa’s population, remain unconnected. With satellites and other new technologies emerging, as well as prospects to expand tax incentives and excise duty exemptions, how can policymakers and the private sector shape a more digitally inclusive future?  

    Key points: 

    • Stronger public policies – Streamlining access to rights of way, reformed national connectivity plans and Universal Access Funds  

    • Sharing the cost of connecting people: Should regulators extend the length of pioneer tax status and scrap excise duty? 

    • Accessible devices, affordable, relevant, and profitable services: Meeting rural customer needs 

    Partner, KPMG
    Correspondent, The Africa Report
    Senior Vice-President Global Sales Media & Networks, Intelsat
    Global Director Disruptive Tech and Funds, IFC
    President & CEO, Cassava Technologies
    Vice-President , Huawei

  • (GMT)
    CONVERSATION WITH | H.E. Joseph Dion Ngute & H.E. Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze

    Cameroon’s Prime Minister H.E. Joseph Dion Ngute and Gabonese counterpart H.E Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze have made private sector development a core component of economic policies; Cameroon by propping up technological infrastructure and its financial sector (development plan ‘SND30’) and Gabon by betting on improved productivity and greater agro-industrial exports (Plan d’Accélération de la Transformation). But how can they succeed in creating national champions worth more than $1 billion, capable of driving their own economic sovereignty?  Interviewed by McKinsey’s thought leader Acha Leke, the Prime Ministers discuss the public policies needed to forge the next African champions. 

    Senior Partner and Chairman, MCKINSEY & COMPANY, AFRICA
    Prime Minister, Head of Government, Republic of Cameroon
    Prime Minister, Gabonese Republic

  • (GMT)
    CLOSING CEREMONY