Africa CEO Forum Kicks Off in Kigali

By The Inspirer.

The 2024 Africa CEO Forum, a premier meeting for the African private sector, has commenced at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 15, 2024.

This event seeks to bolster the continent’s ability to secure a significant role in global dialogues.

Returning to Rwanda’s capital for the second time, the forum is set to attract over 2,000 participants, including several Heads of State, leaders of major African enterprises, investors, and financiers.

Under the theme “At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa,” the forum aims to discuss strategies for boosting African development through the dynamics of the private sector.

Over two days, participants will engage in more than 60 panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, exploring leadership, digital innovation, regional integration, finance, infrastructure, sports business, tourism, pharmaceutical capacity, and technology’s role in future-proofing African youth.

The agenda also includes international development strategy, access to capital, public-private sector dialogue, legal environment insights, and skills management.

Experts note that Africa’s macroeconomic landscape has shifted dramatically after a quarter-century of favorable conditions, with new challenges such as climate change, AI, and geopolitical tensions reshaping the global economy. The forum will address these issues, emphasizing the continent’s need to adapt and thrive in a competitive world.

President Paul Kagame will preside over the opening ceremony, joined by President William Ruto of Kenya, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, and Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Robert Beugré Mambé.

Historically, the forum has facilitated a better understanding of African private-sector initiatives, enabling idea exchanges and fostering ongoing dialogues between private business leaders. Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, stressed the importance of the actions taken by African leaders at this critical time, calling for innovative strategies and partnerships to propel the continent forward.

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for Africa’s GDP to grow from $3 trillion to $30 trillion by 2050, driven by an empowered private sector and supportive policymakers.

Rwandan business leaders are optimistic about the investments and partnerships that could emerge from the forum. Stephen Ruzibiza, CEO of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized the importance of networking for fostering investments, market access, and consultancy collaborations.

The forum’s significance is heightened by global disruptions such as growing inequality, climate risk, technological revolutions, and protectionism.

Organizers note that African business leaders have been slow to engage in discussions about “capitalism and the common good.” However, the private sector in Africa increasingly demonstrates that “doing business” and “doing good” can go hand in hand, with examples like telecom providers promoting financial inclusion and agribusiness prioritizing local supply and processing.

Co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event promises to be a crucible for innovative strategies and partnerships, shaping the future of African business.

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