Program

Invitation only. The African private sector plays a critical role in promoting economic growth and stability across the continent. In fragile and conflict-affected states, private sector investment is even more crucial, as it helps to create jobs and support the local economy. Beyond altruism, there’s also a compelling case for private sector involvement. The private sector generates over $1.4 trillion of profits annually, by investing just 1% of these resources, African businesses can help unlock the enormous economic potential in displaced communities. Investing in refugee economies can bring numerous benefits to companies, such as tapping into new markets, increasing brand reputation, and gaining a competitive advantage. This side-event brought to you by Amahoro Coalition and the Mastercard Foundation will showcase how businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting labor mobility and entrepreneurship for refugees, bringing together key stakeholders from private companies, government organizations, and refugee leaders.

Access by invitation only.

Dubai, renowned for its dynamic economic landscape and strategic location, emerges as a compelling destination for business ventures. Beyond its strategic location, its robust infrastructure, characterized by cutting-edge technology and facilities, elevates operational efficiency and competitiveness. Paired with a conducive regulatory framework and an unparalleled business environment, the Emirates business hub offers a compelling proposition for entrepreneurs and investors seeking growth opportunities.

During this breakfast, esteemed experts and industry leaders will meet to share light on Dubai’s diverse assets driving its thriving economy. The objective is to provide attendees with valuable insights into the region’s economic dynamics and highlight the countless benefits of conducting business there.The session also aims to foster networking opportunities and promote collaboration, paving the way for mutual growth and prosperity among attendees.

Access by invitation only.

Africa bears some of the most severe effects of global climate change while receiving only 20% of global funding for climate change initiatives. In all aspects of sustainability—policy, finance, and implementation—the continent thus remains on the periphery with insufficient engagement from African governments, private sectors, and non-profits. Addressing this disparity, Mann+Hummel launched the ACE Africa Sustainability Index, a unique tool tailored to Africa’s needs. Drawing on African insights and experiences, it prioritizes indicators crucial for Africa’s sustainable development, emphasizing social, economic, and governance dimensions.

After a brief opening presentation, this private session will delve into the urgent need to create for the continent a distinct trajectory towards sustainable development. High-level experts, key opinion leaders and innovative practitioners will explore how this index can inform decision-making in the public and private sectors.

Access by invitation only.

Shell Foundation has been instrumental in developing energy access, a main driver of health, education, productivity, and income improvements for more than 20 years. Over the next decade, it is committed to scaling this sector, particularly in Africa, where increased activity and innovation are being observed among national, regional and international corporates. At the core of this commitment lies the recognition of the triple bottom line return opportunities – commercial, environmental and societal – in introducing revenue-generating energy solutions to smallholder farmers, microentrepreneurs and urban transporters across the continent. 

This relaxed breakfast gathering will bring together business leaders concerned with the impact of energy access on generating new markets and customers, while balancing the creation of value and profit within the clean energy transition. 

Access by invitation only.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) threaten 1.65 billion people in the world, and about 700 million people in Africa, posing a major challenge to development and sustainably hampering growth. As the premier catalyst for mobilizing private capital to eliminate these diseases across Africa, the END Fund has a track record of managing high-impact strategic investments exceeding $550 million in just a decade. We draw together diverse stakeholders critical to eliminating NTDs, including blended finance investors, with many core investors hailing from corporate and finance spheres.

This roundtable will address the nexus of public health, corporate responsibility and sustainable development, exploring the social and economic return on investment (ROI) of tackling preventable NTDs and eliminating many of them as public health challenges. Convening leaders from corporate, finance, philanthropy, and public sectors, this discussion will focus on identifying innovative tactics and forging collaborative ventures to combat NTDs.

– Share Critical Insights: Participants will share their expertise in identifying the highest return on investment for their social and economic development investments, and how they leverage these investments for their business

– Explore Synergies: Examine how aligning corporate health initiatives with broader development goals can foster integration and resilience.

– Share Best Practices: Showcase successful models of corporate responsibility in health that have positively impacted communities and economies.

– Facilitate Collaboration: provide a platform for cross-sector dialogue, encouraging collaboration among businesses, governments, and NGOs.

Access by invitation only.

In a pivotal moment for Africa, the path to a new future is being carved by visionary leaders who dare to challenge the present to create a legacy for generations to come. ’The Future African Leader/The Future of Africa’ initiative, curated by the YPO, invites you to immerse in the personal stories of African leaders who are not just at the table but are shaping the agenda for a transformative future.

Join us for an inspiring session of narratives that attest to the power of leading with authenticity, learning through shared experiences, and making a multigenerational impact. This workshop promises not just insights into becoming better leaders but a vision of how leadership can shape the future of Africa, now.​

Africa imports at least 90% of the pharmaceuticals it consumes, and only 3% of packaged medicines are produced through regional trade. Nurturing the value chain for biotech and pharmaceuticals is thus critical for health security. The development of regional value chains involving several countries in the manufacturing and distribution process can boost continental production, promote economies of scale and reduce costs. Together with BioNTech, Rwanda recently built the first mRNA facility in Africa for vaccine drug substance manufacture, which can help supply the continent.   While several other regional hubs are emerging, their success is hampered by logistical difficulties, sustainable demand, lack of funding and regulatory harmonization, and entrenched international competition. How can governments and private players collaborate to create economically viable hubs?  

Key points:       

– Positioning in the value chain, choice of products and technologies, production capacity: How should competitive regional hubs be structured?  

– Quality standards, registration procedures, tariffs barriers: Harmonising regulatory frameworks   

– Subsidies, price premium per dose, advance market mechanisms: What financing solutions are needed to combine affordable prices and commercial viability? 

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

Africa’s private sector could be key to unlocking carbon markets that Kenya’s William Ruto has dubbed an ‘economic goldmine’, worth potentially $100bn annually by 2050. But with African carbon credit prices 89% lower than in Europe, demand reliant on increasingly sceptical philanthropic corporate buyers and funding often conditional on conceding significant future carbon revenues, Africa’s largest corporations need a clear business rationale. Overseas firms, foreign countries and wealthy individuals are meanwhile acquiring swaths of African land to enter an already externally dominated African carbon market. A roundtable of business leaders and governments discuss how to create an enabling environment for African business in high-potential carbon markets. 

Discussion points: 

– How can Africa get ahead in carbon markets in the absence of agreed international carbon trading rules? 

– A continental carbon strategy through the AfCFTA: Developing a Pan-African registry, an online trading platform, and domestic project verification 

– Enabling national policies for Africa’s private sector to develop large-scale, verifiably beneficial and profitable carbon projects or businesses 

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

Continent-wide harmonisation of trade norms and standards, an essential ingredient to accelerate industrialisation and intra-African trade, is gaining momentum under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). But as harmonisation projects multiply, regional discrepancies through newly-created local standards, a lack of quality infrastructure systems and difficulty in integrating international standards into national regimes, are hampering efforts. In a closed-door roundtable, governments, African institutions and international organisations discuss the mechanisms and actions needed to harmonise norms and standards across Africa. 

Discussion points:   

– OHADA, ARSO, AU, AfCFTA: What synergies and partnerships are needed to meet the challenge of harmonising standards 

– What are the priority products and value chains for strengthening intra-African trade?  

– TBT and SPS agreements: How to improve metrology, standardisation, accreditation, quality management and conformity assessment systems 

In East Africa, real gross value added in manufacturing has risen by 42% (compared with 34% for services) over the past seven years, with key sectors including textiles, automotive, construction and agriculture contributing to growth. Aware that this progress still falls short of targets, several governments are stepping up their industrial policies and accelerating the roll-out of industrial parks and special economic zones. Kenya, for its part, intends to capitalise on intra-regional trade and renewable energy to boost industrialisation. But to succeed in the long term, how can authorities meet the challenges of an insufficiently skilled workforce, and a lack of infrastructure and financing?

Key points:  

– Special economic zones and tariff policies: Capitalising on trade policies to boost industrialisation 

– Green industrialisation: Using renewable energy to power businesses  

– East African Community: How can stakeholders strengthen regional value chains? 

Following two decades of favourable macroeconomic conditions, marked by easy money, commodity booms and relative political stability, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically. Global forces are competing over capital, critical resources and the industries of the future. Challenges like climate change and AI disruptions underscore the fact that Africa is at a crossroads. African leadership today will determine the economic trajectory of the continent for the next decade. Which guiding principles do leading CEOs suggest for these uncertain yet exciting times?

Key points:  

– Digital Agenda: How can we strengthen our tech ecosystems and infrastructure to position Africa as a global hub for innovation and talent?   

– Integration Agenda: What must national leaders do to effectively establish the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a robust common market? 

– Financing Agenda: How can Africa’s financial sector seize the opportunity presented by the retreat of international finance?  

From the Central African Republic to Somalia and Sudan, African countries beset by political and security risks are finding it increasingly difficult to access financing and inspire confidence among local investors and international lenders. Amid a resurgence of coups d’état, insecurity and terrorism, mitigation measures and sovereign guarantees may be critical to alter the risk perception and alleviate investor concerns of expropriation, breach of contract and non-payment. Following the example of the Port of Berbera, new solutions are needed. How can fragile states, DFIs and the private sector collaborate to derisk infrastructure investment, notably in strategic sectors, such as telecommunications?

Key points:  

– Contractual risk allocation, support agreements and co-investment: What role can the insurance and risk-management sectors play as guarantors?  

– How can DFIs continue to finance projects in high-risk nations and maintain profitability?  

– How can multinationals continue to invest in fragile African states? 

Access by invitation only.

The 2024 State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report by the Africa Finance Corporation reassesses Africa’s urgent infrastructure needs. It reveals a significant gap in infrastructure, worsened by misalignment and insufficient investment allocation. Despite growing needs, current investment falls short of driving meaningful change. The energy deficit, for instance, extends beyond the estimated 600 million people without electricity, including additional power needs for industrialization. This results in Africa realizing only a fraction of the value for critical minerals. Inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure limit the impact of power generation investment. Similarly, underfunded connecting roads and railways hinder the potential of well-funded ports to boost regional trade and development. The report calls for increased efforts to mobilize targeted domestic and international capital to bridge the infrastructure gap. Leveraging Africa’s untapped domestic savings presents a critical opportunity for financing infrastructure projects on the continent.

Representing 70% of the continent’s GDP, family businesses are crucial to its prosperity. But the longevity of these enterprises will depend on successfully transitioning ownership at the opportune time and by engaging the next generation, strengthening decision-making processes, and ensuring the long-term vision of the family is trans-generational. During this workshop, family business owners and managers discuss strategies on how and when to transfer ownership to the Next Gen and ensure they are committed players able to create lasting business legacies. 

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

Access to finance remains the primary barrier for women entrepreneurs in Africa with an estimated $42 billion gap in financing. Despite Africa boasting the highest rates of women entrepreneurship globally,  women entrepreneurs encounter unique challenges while trying to access financing.  These include a lack of collateral to secure loans, stringent lending requirements by financing institutions, lack of confidence and limited business capacity, and biased evaluations by financing institutions and other providers of capital. Closing this persistent funding gap requires a deeper understanding of women-led businesses, innovative funding approaches, and collaborative efforts among capital providers.    

Key points:  

– Current market practices: How lending works and doesn’t work for women entrepreneurs? 

– Innovative financing solutions: What needs to be done differently? 

– Collaboration opportunities: How can financing institutions work together? 

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

In Africa, access to Information and Communication technologies improved rapidly, with submarine cable expansion being the fastest in the world, a thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, and increasing levels of venture capital investments. But firms have not fully exploited these technologies for productive purposes, particularly across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Investing in infrastructure will achieve coverage and affordability, but disruptive technologies and innovative startups can help overcome market constraints, cost, and digital literacy, so firms can make full use of digitalisation. 

Discussion points: 

– How can digital technologies transform the landscape for firms in Africa? 

– What private investment opportunities emerge from “incomplete digitalisation” in Africa’s businesses? 

– What policies can unlock investments in infrastructure and innovative startups, to improve affordability and digital adoption? 

Africa’s energy landscape faces a balancing act ahead of COP29. While the world transitions away from fossil fuels, African economies, from Angola to Nigeria, rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources and seek a ‘just transition’ to clean energy that promises energy security and economic growth. In an exclusive interview, Guido Brusco, COO Natural Resources of Eni, a key player in the global energy market, deliberates on achieving an economically attractive transition on a continent that attracts only 2% of global clean energy spending.

The connectivity outage across West Africa in March 2024, due to damaged undersea cables, once again drew attention to the vulnerability of digital infrastructure on the continent. The challenge of digitalisation is twofold, as digital players must not only bolster existing infrastructure to meet growing customer expectations, but expand connectivity capacity in order for Africa not to be left behind in the global AI race. As financing needs are expected to reach $100bn by 2030 amid surging demand for bandwidth, TMT actors are under pressure to spend more while ensuring affordable and uninterrupted services. Can innovative financing and collaboration models enable Africa to build a resilient network that is up to the task?

Key points:  

– Blackouts, natural disasters, cyberthreats: What innovative solutions are needed to withstand crises?

– How can African governments support the interests of digital stakeholders in future infrastructure investments?

– Building digital sovereignty and the role of the private sector in achieving diversification through partnerships

At COP28, the world agreed to ‘transition away from fossil fuels. But in the past year alone, African governments from Namibia and Egypt to Senegal to Uganda, have reserved the right to leverage their natural resources in their pursuit of economic development. With 600 million Africans still without electricity, blackouts tormenting the continent’s biggest cities, and African business demand for power set to rise exponentially, it’s clear that energy austerity is not the solution. Can African nations turning to renewables and those that are fossil fuel producers join forces ahead of COP29 to ensure the continent obtains the financing and exemptions necessary to enable a fair climate transition?

Key Points: 

– Will Africa be able to speak as one at COP29, committing to net zero by 2050 while meeting the continent’s goals of economic prosperity for its people?

– Two-Track Transition: How can Africa defend its stance while championing decarbonisation in the Global North? 

– Can diverse sources of financing be found to ensure that Africa sets its own pace for transition?

The maritime industry, accounting for two-thirds of Africa’s total emissions, will need to accelerate decarbonisation efforts to meet its Net Zero ambition by 2050. Smart shipping, green fuels, the renewal of maritime fleets and the transformation of port terminals could be major components of this push. But an absence of harmonised maritime policies and regulations, a lack of maritime emissions in national data, and difficulties in securing financing threaten these ambitions. What innovations and solutions are needed to transform the value chain and attract investment essential to decarbonisation?   

Key points:   

– Single Maritime Window: How can new online data portals accelerate emission reductions?  

– Fleet renewal, alternative fuels, emission-reduction technologies: What regulatory frameworks and financing resources are needed for leading shipping companies?  

– Port terminal modernisation and smart shipping: How could PPPs achieve green African ports? 

The Africa CEO Forum Women Working For Change is honored to invite you to a cocktail and networking event hosted by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women.

With modest annual growth in volume (1% last year), compared with 5% in value due to inflation, Africa’s distribution and FMCG sector is showing resilience and is now worth $200 billion. International brands and chains such as PepsiCo, Diageo, and Auchan are actively expanding on the continent, along with Danone, Spar, Unilever and Carrefour, which hopes to double its number of stores by 2025. At the same time, strong local and regional brands by African companies are emerging. But international businesses are being forced to rethink approaches to winning market share from competitors more familiar with the terrain: adapting offers to local habits and partnering with local players. What models will win over African consumers, who are increasingly demanding ‘made for us’ products? 

Key points:  

– Prices, products and marketing: Adapting the concept and offer to local consumers    

– Has developing local supply chains become essential for multinationals?   

– Franchising and joint ventures: What are the winning models? 

African mines are often hampered by limited infrastructure, which is either defective or too costly to develop. A construction bill exceeding $10 billion has for example long delayed the completion of the Simandou railroad and iron ore export port in Guinea. Yet investing in railways, roads, ports, power plants or refineries not only boosts the profitability of mines, but also opens up new opportunities in the sector and the broader economy. Which development models, such as factoring in access for local populations, privatisation, risk pooling, PPPs and cross-border cooperation, can secure ample funding for African mining infrastructure and generate a virtuous circle of economic growth? 

Key points:  

– From the Lobito corridor to processing plants: What key infrastructure is needed to win the race for Africa’s critical minerals?  

– Sources of revenue, legal and contractual framework, shareholding, management methods, ESG: Meeting the conditions for bankability  

– How can mining infrastructure projects be structured to invigorate the rest of the economy? 

Africa air traffic is set to double by 2035 and register 5% annual growth over the next 20 years, but local carriers may need to forge strategic alliances to capitalise on this growth. While a large share of global aviation flows through three key alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam), only five of Africa’s 400+ airlines are members. Intra-African partnerships – such as Kenya Airways agreement with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines – have meanwhile gained momentum as implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is on the horizon. With African airlines forecast to lose $400 million in 2024 amid high-costs, skills shortages and infrastructure challenges, what could further intra-African and international alliances do to alter the course? 

Key points: 

– Intra-African and/or global allies: What will be the keys to successful aviation alliances for African carriers? 

– Safety, product compatibility, forex and old fleets: Potential barriers to joining global alliances? 

– SAATM: Will it happen and what form of new intra-African alliances could it ignite? 

Step into the heart of Africa’s investment landscape and explore the untapped potential of Rwanda at the Africa CEO Forum. In this enlightening session, delve deep into the myriad opportunities that Rwanda offers savvy investors. From its strategic location at the crossroads of East Africa to its steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, Rwanda stands as a beacon of stability and growth in the region.

 Discover firsthand the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment, supported by robust infrastructure and progressive policies. Learn about Rwanda’s thriving sectors, including technology, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy, all ripe for investment and poised for exponential growth. Engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and fellow investors as we delve into Rwanda’s unique advantages, from its skilled workforce to its ease of doing business. Gain insights into the diverse investment incentives available, including tax breaks, access to funding, and strategic partnerships.

Join us as we unlock the potential of Rwanda together, paving the way for sustainable development, shared prosperity, and lasting impact in one of Africa’s most promising economies

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

Strengthening wholesalers and distributors could lower costs of everyday drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa (which are up to 30 times higher than US and UK prices) and combat substandard and counterfeit medicines that cost 500,000 lives a year. Small-scale wholesalers are integral to access in underserved geographies but face significant working capital and operational challenges. Many struggle with cold chain management and charge high mark ups to survive, taking advantage of lacking regulatory price controls and quality assurance, particularly in parts of East, Central and West Africa. Ahead of regulatory harmonisation body the African Medicine Agency (AMA) starting operations next year, private sector and government representatives convene to explore how to turn small and medium-sized wholesalers and distributors into sustainable businesses. 

 Discussion points: 

– Professionalising wholesalers: Consolidation, access to working capital, forex and guarantees 

– Track & trace and HealthTech: How to maximise tech advancements to improve distribution and achieve sustainability for SMEs 

– Regulatory harmony on price controls: What should be the top priorities for the AMA?

Access by invitation only.

Governments in Africa have experimented with different ways to attract foreign investment. Most countries have investment promotion agencies (IPAs) with varying degrees of success in investor outreach, investor facilitation, and mobilising FDI. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) also provide a solid opportunity to help foster economic development in Africa, but again, strong results are few and far between. This roundtable discussion will critically examine the experiences in Africa and chart a better way forward. 

 Discussion points: 

– How do IPAs define and deliver their strategic focus to meet investor demands?    

– How can the number of successful PPPs multiply in Africa? 

– From IPAs to PPP units: In which areas can DFIs and governments further strengthen collaboration?    

Following two decades of favourable macroeconomic conditions, marked by easy money, commodity booms and relative political stability, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically. Global forces are competing over capital, critical resources and the industries of the future. Challenges like climate change and AI disruptions underscore the fact that Africa is at a crossroads. African leadership today will determine the economic trajectory of the continent for the next decade. Which guiding principles do leading CEOs suggest for these uncertain yet exciting times?

Key points:  

– Digital Agenda: How can we strengthen our tech ecosystems and infrastructure to position Africa as a global hub for innovation and talent?   

– Integration Agenda: What must national leaders do to effectively establish the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a robust common market? 

– Financing Agenda: How can Africa’s financial sector seize the opportunity presented by the retreat of international finance?  

In this unique one-hour session, three of the most groundbreaking startup CEOs in Africa engage in exclusive interviews with established leaders of their respective sectors. Through a series of 15-minute strategic conversations, they unveil their innovative solutions to local challenges and exchange views on how they can collaborate to revolutionise their business.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s ’Family Entrepreneurship’ report, three quarters of entrepreneurs say that family members were involved in setting up their business. But when it comes to succession planning, the Next Gen isn’t always interested, wanting to create their own path. Incorporating the family entrepreneurial spirit into succession planning is one solution and can be a strong comparative advantage. What are its different forms? How can this spirit be passed on to the next generation?  

Key points:  

– Intrapreneurship: How to make room for the creativity of the Next Gen?  

– Succession planning: Incorporating the entrepreneurial spirit into succession planning 

– When should the new generation be involved, and how should they be integrated? 

Africa has entered a critical period of both uncertainty and opportunity, one in which leadership decisions will determine whether Africa is seated at the table determining its own future, or merely on the menu. Ongoing conflict, political instability and social complexities contribute to a slew of challenges faced by governments. During this Panel, Heads of State from Rwanda, Gabon, Kenya and Mozambique share insights on effective leadership strategies and governance practices that have propelled their countries forward. Global financial system reform, new growth sectors, AfCFTA, green economy: what are the areas where Africa can and must lead? 

Key points:  

– Pan-African leadership crisis: What type of governance model can unify Africa’s voice to ensure it is at the table and not on the menu?  

– Sovereignty for the continent: Africa’s leaders have been talking about new paths to sovereignty. How can this vision be turned into tangible outcomes?  

– Inclusive governance: How do the presidents of Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique, and Gabon envision the next decade for their respective countries? 

Invitation only – This high-level event aims to galvanize African businesses to take bold and ambitious actions towards driving the continent’s sustainable economic development. The event will kick off with keynote addresses delivered by the UN Global Compact, the United Nations, and high-level guest speakers. Following the keynote addresses, we invite you to join us for an exclusive launch of the African Business Leaders’ Gender Statement and a cocktail reception to continue these enriching discussions. This is an exciting opportunity for business leaders to network and engage with forward thinkers, doers, builders, changers, movers, and leaders in Africa.