Leaders to brainstorm on Africa’s future at CEO discussion board

Over 2,000 African and international chief executive officers, investors and public sector leaders are expected to gather in Kigali, Rwanda, in May to discuss the future of the African continent in light of global geopolitical tensions.

In a statement on Wednesday, the forum revealed that global crises had placed Africa at a critical crossroads where it must determine its future or be at the mercy of other global players.

Themed ‘At the Table or on the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa’, this year’s forum is scheduled to tackle four agendas, including leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing.

The forum is co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group.

“Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, participants will explore strategies to achieve the highest public policy standards conducive to growth; to ensure African business is at the forefront of disruptive innovation and to leverage Africa’s collective weight through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” the statement said.

Participants would also explore ways to creatively overcome obstacles to financing Africa’s ambitions.

“Designed to spur actionable solutions, the summit will accelerate the rise of new African success stories,” it added.

The President of the Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed, said, “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.”

IFC’s Vice President for Africa, Sérgio Pimenta, added, “Turning Africa’s $3tn GDP into $30tn 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.”

Confirmed attendees for the forum include General Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene; Managing Director of IFC,  Makhtar Diop; Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tassew, among others.