Africa at crossroads for future transformation: Africa CEO Forum

14Mar 2024
By Guardian Reporter
Dar es Salaam
The Guardian
Africa at crossroads for future transformation: Africa CEO Forum

THE theme, "At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa," emphasizes the need for decisive action in leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing. The forum aims to generate actionable solutions to propel the continent towards success

Attentive delegates at the 2023 Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali Rwanda. Photo: File

AS global crises cast long shadows, Africa stands at a critical crossroads: Will the continent remain on the sidelines of history or will its leaders band together to forge a new path?

The crucial question that will propel the 2024 Africa CEO Forum, scheduled for 16 and 17 May in Kigali, Rwanda, is whether the continent will remain on the sidelines of history or if its leaders will unite to carve out a new path.

This year's theme, "On the Menu: A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa," highlights the significant juncture at which Africa stands, surrounded by global economic transformations and obstacles.

This year’s 11th edition of the landmark Africa CEO Forum marks more than a decade of unparalleled gatherings of Africa's most influential leaders, innovators, and policymakers.The Forum will address four key transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing.

Through engaging panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, participants will delve into strategies aimed at establishing the highest standards in public policy to foster growth, positioning African businesses as pioneers in disruptive innovation, harnessing the collective power of Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and innovatively conquering barriers to financing Africa's aspirations.

With a focus on generating practical solutions, the summit will drive the emergence of new success stories from Africa.

Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, emphasises, “We call on our community of leaders shaping the future of Africa to recognise the structural and enduring consequences of the actions they take at this critical time. The forum will be a crucible for innovative strategies and partnerships, propelling the continent into the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC's Vice President for Africa, said, “Turning Africa’s $3 trillion GDP into $30 trillion by 2050 will require an unbridled African private sector, enabled by the continent’s policymakers to forge partnerships that create markets, increase intra-African trade and advance investment on the continent.”

The Africa CEO Forum is the continent’s premier gathering, uniting Africa's top executives, global investors, and government leaders annually. In partnership with IFC, this year’s flagship event will host more than 2,000 public and private sector decision-makers, including over 900 CEOs.

Confirmed attendees at the Africa CEO Forum include high-profile individuals such as Rostam Aziz, CEO of Taifa Gas, Wamkele Mene of AfCFTA, Makhtar Diop of IFC, and other distinguished executives from leading companies. Their participation highlights the forum's significance as a key platform for shaping Africa's business landscape.

In addition, several Heads of State are expected to attend, further signifying the Forum's pivotal role in fostering high-level dialogue and partnerships. These leaders will join forces with attendees to contribute to a collective endeavour that promises to chart a new course for Africa's economic future.

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