The Africa CEO Forum 2023 concluded successfully on June 6, showcasing a dynamic continent ready to accelerate its growth and resilience against global economic trends. Under the resonant theme “From 300 to 3000: How to deliver the next generation of African champions,” the forum highlighted the need for Africa’s leaders to be proactive in the face of foreign crises impacting their economies and currencies.
This year’s forum saw the gathering of Africa’s highest echelons of leadership, with more than 2000 participants from 73 countries, including 44 African countries. 1,000 CEOs from major groups, more than 50 CEOs from African start-ups, 300 women leaders, five prime ministers and dozens of ministers. The discussions centered on key strategic topics, including food security, trade, public-private partnerships, youth engagements, AI technology, and the potential of Africa’s natural resources. Delphine Traore, CEO of Allianz Africa, was recognized as ‘CEO of the Year,’ acknowledging her exceptional contribution to Africa’s economic progression.
Significant strides were also made with high-impact projects set in motion. A key achievement was a $500 million financing agreement between Nigeria’s BUA Group and the International Finance Corporation, expected to enhance low-carbon cement production in Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The government of Côte d’Ivoire also inked three protocols worth $450 million, aimed at bolstering sectors like agribusiness, integrated plantation development, and real estate. Further collaborations involve the construction of industrial parks in partnership with CRBC and PFO. Africa50 and Gabon announced the launch of a sizeable electricity distribution program.
Reflecting on the gathering’s fruitful discussions, Amir Ben Yahmed, President of The Africa CEO Forum, remarked, “In less than half a decade, we have witnessed world-changing events like the COVID-19 pandemic, energy shortages, and surging global inflation. These disruptions have reshaped global relations, but they also offer opportunities. This year’s forum underscored the need for Africa to seize these opportunities, leveraging its private sector as the engine of growth. With the continent’s rich reserves of high-demand minerals, such as copper and cobalt, and an increasingly strong focus on effective government and stakeholder collaborations, we are on the right trajectory.”
“In the course of the last two days, we have gained insights from experts on a variety of transformative topics,” commented Sergio Pimenta, Regional Vice President for Africa. “We discussed the enormous potential of African startups led by women, viable solutions for providing universal healthcare, at least in parts of the continent, and how Africa is creating sustainable, circular economies. Yesterday, our Managing Director, Makhtar Diop, spoke about the progress made by Africa, including financial inclusion and digital connectivity. Collectively, we also explored strategies to increase the number of African champions from 300 to 3000. This forum has been instrumental in not only fostering dialogue but also paving the way for concrete action plans.”
Looking ahead, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for the African private sector’s pivotal role in driving growth and propelling Africa’s business champions to global recognition.
