Africa Faces a Decisive Moment to Shape a New Future – The Africa CEO Forum 2024

s 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?

This pivotal question will drive the 2024 Africa CEO Forum, set for 16 and 17 May in Kigali, Rwanda. This year’s theme, At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa, underscores the important juncture at which the continent finds itself amidst global economic shifts and challenges.

This year’s 11^th 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 tackle four transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing. 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; to leverage Africa’s collective weight through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and 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.

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 include high-profile individuals such as H.E. Wamkele Mene, General Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA ), Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC, Mesfin Tassew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of the Board of Schneider Electric, James Mworia, Group CEO & MD of Centum Investment, Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of Ruparelia Group, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, Rostam Aziz, CEO of Taifa Gas, Hardy Pemhiwa, President & CEO of Cassava Technologies or Patricia Poku Diaby, CEO Plot Entreprise Ghana, Karl Olutokun Toriola, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Faith Mukutu, CEO of Zambeef, Diane Karusisi, CEO Bank of Kigali , Patty Karuaihe-Martin, CEO of NamibRe. Their presence underlines the forum’s status as a critical convener for those looking to shape 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.