Panels

In 2022, public debt in Africa reached USD 1.8 trillion. While this is a fraction of the overall outstanding debt of developing countries, Africa’s sovereign debt has increased by 183% since 2010, a rate roughly four times higher than its growth rate of GDP in dollar terms. Today, 60% of African countries spend more on repaying their debts than on healthcare, a trend that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war on Ukraine and the overall economic slowdown in the past few years. While international organizations have stepped in to support (for example, the G20 assisted 31 out of 36 eligible African countries with its Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)), the question remains: Why has Africa not been able to break out of this debt trap? And what role does the public and private sector play in moving past this dynamic?

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According to the World Bank, The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is poised to make Africa the largest trade area/zone in terms of market size, creating a market of 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and a combined GDP of approx. $3.4 Trillion. Many have posited it as a game change-changer with the potential to transform African economies and significantly raise Africa’s share of global trade and investment flows and shift the direction and composition of FDI to Africa, positioning the region as an increasingly dynamic force in the international arena. How can Africa leverage the AfCFTA to enhance its global competitiveness and compete in the new global era?

Come hear industry stalwarts take center stage to unravel the intricacies of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Against the backdrop of this historic agreement, the keynote will explore strategic visions, challenges, and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA as well as delve into the private sector's role in innovation, infrastructure development, and the imperative of collaborative efforts in repositioning Africa on the global economic stage.

The inaugural showcase will spotlight artisanal talent from across the continent via art, fashion, and cultural artifacts. Join us to engage with our phenomenal partner brands and celebrate the rich tapestry of African creativity.

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Africa is in the midst of a digital revolution: approximately 473 million Africans are online, and an additional 300 million will likely join them by 2025. Average download speeds in Africa doubled between 2015 and 2019, while data costs halved. Underpinning this growth is the installation of digital infrastructure (fiber optics, data centers, and more) -  Africa has witnessed notable strides in digital infrastructure development, with increased investments in 4G and 5G technology. In an era where digital connectivity has become the linchpin of economic progress, what will it take for Africa to compete in the global digital economy? 

In this keynote panel, we will hear from the folks building that infrastructure and deploying. The session will share insights into bridging Africa's digital divide, navigating the impact of these technological advancements on the continent's innovation landscape, as well as delve into discussions on financing structures, inclusivity in access, digital economic transformation, and the pivotal role of government policies.

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Over the last decade, widespread debate has occurred over the opportunities and risks of Africa's fast-growing youth population and the implications which this will have on Africa's workforce. How do we unlock Africa's massive workforce talent both for the continent and on the global scale for decades to come? Are there other geographies which African leaders should be drawing inspiration from as they position their nations for a new era in an increasingly globalized workforce? As working populations become older in many Western nations and African nations experience a rise in youth talent, what implications does this have for the dynamic of global talent and migration? Finally, which sectors should Africa be prioritizing its talent development efforts in to ensure a well-balanced skills distribution?

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The past few years has seen a renewed focus on African arts on the global stage: Afrobeats, Nollywood on global streaming platforms, African fashion being shown at various global fashion weeks and carried by global retailers. How can African brands leverage this momentum to build sustainable (economically and ethically) business models that enable their products to be accessible to local and global clientele and withstand the test of time? What are the opportunities to innovate across the value chain and what unique competitive advantages do we have on the continent? This panel will dive into these questions through the lens of various ecosystem stakeholders - designers, retailers, investors, manufacturers - at the forefront of innovating African fashion and bringing it to the global stage

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There have been several iterations of how to adapt the traditional PE fund for Africa's unique challenges. These include permanent capital vehicles, de novo funds and sovereign wealth funds. Are these iterations performing any better? What are the lessons for traditional PE from these experiments? What other iterations are LPs like DFIs willing to invest in next?

In the realm of Africa's mobile money evolution spanning the last seventeen years, telecom companies initially took the lead, steering growth and diversification. Yet, the narrative is shifting with the rise of fintech startups, who are evolving beyond mobile money infrastructure to value-add services like credit, insurance, savings, and connectivity across global borders. This transition has left telecom companies struggling to keep pace, raising questions about the sustainability of their traditional business models. The pivotal query revolves around whether the market's tilt toward these incremental financial services will challenge the established order. Fintech startups, considered catalysts for this transformation, are nudging telecom companies to revamp their mobile money operations into more agile fintech entities.

African nations are on the precipice of momentous changes in the healthcare landscape. Challenges in infectious disease still ravage major segments of the continent while chronic illnesses are emerging as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The push for changes, however, has often led to the adoption of partial solutions while the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that the most difficult problems remain unresolved. In this session, we are convening an elite group of professionals, ranging from drug manufacturers, regulators, entrepreneurs, and astute investors to discuss the critical issue of pharmaceutical production on the continent. This session is meticulously designed for decision-makers and innovators seeking to capture tremendous opportunity and make a tangible impact in the healthcare sector. 

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Africa’s economy downshifted over the last decade, yet half of its people live in countries that have thrived on the continent. Africa has the human capital and natural resources to accelerate productivity and reimagine its economic growth, which is, more than ever, vital for the welfare of the world. The fireside chat will feature a presentation of key insights from McKinsey Global’ s 2023 Reimagining Economic Growth in Africa report.

Venture building is a comprehensive and systematic approach to creating, developing, and scaling new businesses or startups. Our workshop is focused on sharing expert knowledge on building VC backable businesses on the African continent. We will showcase how we turn ideas into successful ventures by sharing our tips, tools, and methodologies. Our workshop will provide an overview of the fundamentals of venture building and also demonstrate one of our ideation techniques in action.

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Africa stands at the precipice of a technological revolution, and artificial intelligence (AI) holds the key to unlocking unprecedented opportunities across the continent. From healthcare to agriculture, finance to education, the potential applications of AI are boundless. Yet, alongside this promise lie unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. Our expert panelists will explore the intricacies of integrating AI tools within diverse African contexts. We'll investigate how AI can drive economic growth, enhance social inclusivity, and revolutionize public services. From fostering local talent to navigating regulatory frameworks, we'll dissect the challenges and outline actionable strategies.

Despite Africa contributing <4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent and its people will be disproportionately affected by the impact of climate change. Innovative ClimateTech solutions are supporting not just emissions mitigation in growing African economies, but also supporting climate adaptation to make African businesses and communities more climate-resilient in the face of extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns. Our panel discussion will also highlight how these solutions are paving the way for economic growth and improving living standards. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on how innovating and investing in African ClimateTech is driving sustainable growth and competitiveness.

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With over 50 distinct countries, the African continent presents a kaleidoscope of regulatory environments, political climates, and macroeconomic challenges. From abrupt policy changes to unstable governance – epitomized by the recent wave of coups across West and Central Africa – doing business in Africa requires companies and investors to adapt to shifting sands. This panel delves into the tangible, hands-on approaches to managing political risks in the African context. How do stakeholders assess and prepare for potential political risks in Africa? How can businesses leverage grassroots community relations as a buffer against high-level political volatility? How are insurance models adapting to offer genuine, affordable, and durable protection to businesses and investors? How can dialogue between the public and private sectors remain robust amidst shifting political landscapes?

In a continent that is as rich in opportunities as it is in complexities, managing political risks becomes paramount for business success. This conversation will provide insights on this key topic to discuss the tools and tactics that will pave the way for successful business endeavors, and projects developed on the continent.

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In the past decade, the African continent has experienced a remarkable surge in startup activity, as many enterprising individuals have set their sights on solving local challenges through innovative solutions. However, this momentum has been met with a challenging year, where several startups have been forced to either shut down or significantly downsize to weather the current storm. This panel will focus on how African startups can scale from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 100 and how they can access capital, talent, and mentorship to fuel sustainable growth.

This panel will explore how Africa can harness the increasing soft power of its entertainment industry to effectively compete in the global arena. With the continent's vibrant music, film, and cultural offerings are gaining international recognition, it's essential to understand the potential for economic growth and global influence. Discover the strategies, challenges, and opportunities as we delve into the role of African entertainment in enhancing the continent's global competitiveness, fostering economic development, and shaping perceptions on the world stage. Join us to unravel the untapped potential of Africa's entertainment soft power and its significance in the era of global competition.

Although Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA)— where entrepreneurs search for and acquire stable, cash-flow positive businesses to grow them over time—is growing in popularity across North America, few “search funds” have been established in Africa. Indeed, there has been limited data to support the case for investing in African search funds and the benefits of this novel asset class. 

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Still, ETA remains uniquely positioned to unlock value, attract talent, and accelerate the growth and development of SMEs—particularly family businesses—across the continent. This panel will focus on three key questions: 

(1) Is Africa ripe for the growth of search funds? 

(2) How can the traditional search fund model be adapted to work in/for the African context? 

(3) What other models can we leverage to see more African ETAs? 

(4) Share some success stories and what we can learn from them.

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Africa’s in-vogue right now, right? So why are so many people leaving? Are people actually moving back? Isn’t the party over? Join Movemeback for the “To move or not to move” workshop as they share everything you need to know about the realities of “moving back”.With a community approaching 100,000 in 170 countries and activities across almost all African countries the Movemeback Team will bring together a decade of learnings and real perspectives from real people. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, business executive, investor or homemaker, you’ll hear from those who have made the move and made it work; others who have gone and returned and those who have found a way to do it all from afar. The team will also share deep insights, case studies and frameworks for success, and provide you with a platform to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to about engaging with the Continent. Movemeback is a platform, a community, a culture, and a movement launched almost ten years ago, with a mission to enable the brightest and most resourceful minds across theworld to fulfil their purpose and work on building the future in Africa, without forgoing theirpersonal aspirations and dreams. In spite of a few bumpy years, the movement is still alive,the opportunity greater and more touchable than ever and yet there is plenty still to be done,including many first remaining to be written.China can see it, Russia can see it, as can Europe and the Middle East; even ChatGPT isbriefed - but how about you? Join us to learn, contribute and start a journey of figuring out orrefreshing your own place in the movement.

General Lunch

Connect with folks that are interested in and/or investing in Africa.

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Connect with folks that are interested in and/or currently building Africa's startup/entrepreneurship ecosystem over lunch.

A special screening of snipptets from Shaka iLembe followed by Q&A with Nomzamo Mbatho, the Executive Producer, will explore deeper themes of global participation in telling authentic African narratives from the subjective gaze of the custodians. 


Connect with folks that are interested in travel and tourism in Africa over lunch.

The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives over lunch.

The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives.

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The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives.

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The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives.

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The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives.‍

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The former Prime Minister will give special remarks on accelerating economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Financial services have made tremendous progress in Africa, yet access to affordable credit remains a long way away for everyone from consumers to SMEs to governments. This panel seeks to ask the tough questions and understand why the cost of capital in Africa is still so high.

While the global economy thrives on interconnectedness, Africa's participation in both global production and trade remains a mere glimpse on the grand stage. This underrepresentation extends beyond the world arena, with intra-African trade lagging behind every other continent. In this era of strategic alliances driving trade flows and innovation, the crucial question emerges: can Africa leverage unique and innovative partnership models to claim its rightful seat at the global economic table?

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Navigating strategic global alliances within the continent and beyond with China and the US will significantly impact the African business ecosystem. These alliances can give African businesses access to new markets, capital, technology, and expertise. They can also help African businesses to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. How should African businesses position to create jobs, boost trade, promote innovation, and build sustainable global businesses through these alliances?

Africa's historical yields will no longer be competitive in many crops resulting in high importation bills governments can't afford, increased food inflation, and exacerbated poverty and food insecurity. One root issue in many cases is the inefficiencies inherent in small scale farming. Climate change will further compound these production risks. How are African food and agribusinesses preparing to remain globally competitive? How are firms successfully serving domestic markets in light of increasing currency risk and opportunity cost of focusing on exports?

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Africa is increasingly emerging as a dynamic player in the global sports arena. In recent years, African athletes have gained international recognition, and African sports federations have shown significant promise. This panel aims will delve into the challenges and opportunities within the African sports ecosystem, shedding light on unleashing talent, institutionalizing the appropriate infrastructure through smart investments and the path towards sports globalization. This panel will present viewpoints from across the sports ecosystem in Africa, including investors, operators, and former athletes.

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High interest rate, climate change, debt crisis and geopolitics - African economies are subjected to many complexities in raising capital. We will delve into the strategies for harnessing the power of local capital while attracting foreign investment in a world marked by shifting dynamics. Participants will gain insights into investor engagement, collaboration, regulatory support, and risk management. This session will provide a forward-looking perspective on how African economies can thrive amidst the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities of the complex global landscape. 

The panel will explore the intricate dynamics and economic considerations involved in bringing large African cultural movements to the global stage. The panelists will shed light on the impacts of these movements, including notable events like AfroNation, Afrofuture, AfriconLA, Afropunk, Afrotech, and more, with a particular focus on their influence on diaspora relations. We will delve into the impact on remittances, travel and tourism, investment, and cross-cultural exchange, and seek to understand how these movements are reshaping connections between the African diaspora and the continent. Additionally, we will discuss strategies to harness the momentum generated by these cultural phenomena for the purpose of fostering long-term engagement and investment in Africa. The panel will provide valuable insights into the intricate economic and cultural web woven by these movements and their potential to shape the future of diaspora relations with Africa.

This session is dedicated to exploring the intricate social fabric of African nations and their influence on the global stage. We'll delve into topics such as innovation, cultural influence, economic development, and the challenges and opportunities faced by African countries in today's interconnected world and explore subjects like gender equality, cultural narratives, and the interplay between social development and economic progress in African countries. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights from one of the most articulate voices on African development and global competitiveness.

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