During the two days of discussions, the focus will be on Africa’s economic sovereignty at a time when the Covid-19 crisis, which has profoundly disrupted global economies and supply chains, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine have shown the continent’s overdependence on the rest of the world, including for its most vital needs.
Strong public-private dialogue
Whether it is reducing food import bill (projected at $110bn by 2025), regaining control of digital data (80% of which is stored outside Africa) or manufacturing medicines locally, the quest for greater economic autonomy is becoming a central feature of public policy on the continent. However, the implementation of these strategies must be based on a solid public-private dialogue involving the African champions of today and preparing the ground for those of tomorrow, as demonstrated by the recent successes of Morocco in logistics and Nigeria in the cement sector.
How can African economies emerge from global shocks? Which sectors should states target in their quest for sovereignty, and what impact might this have on the development of the African common market? How can the African private sector contribute to the continent’s food self-sufficiency? Or how can the financing of large infrastructure projects be Africanised? The Africa CEO Forum community will try to propose answers to all these questions.
The 2022 edition, which will also mark the tenth anniversary of this conference, the most important of the African private sector, will also be an opportunity for political and economic leaders to discuss the energy transition and the historic opportunities that this global challenge offers to the continent, which is rich in raw materials essential to the production of clean energy.
African start-ups in the spotlight
The following are expected at the Sofitel Ivoire in Abidjan: the Ivorian head of state Alassane Ouattara, Senegal’s Macky Sall, Niger’s Mohamed Bazoum, Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo and Nigeria’s vice-president Yemi Osinbajo. The decision-makers from the economic sphere expected to be present include: Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN; Abdul Samad Rabiu, CEO of BUA Group; Delphine Traoré, managing director of Allianz Africa; and Ade Ayeyemi, managing director of Ecobank.
In addition, this year’s event will welcome for the first time the leaders and founders of Africa’s pioneering start-ups, representing outfits such as Kobo360, Sendy, Farmerline, InTouch, MaxAB and Daystar Power.
Understand Africa's tomorrow... today
We believe that Africa is poorly represented, and badly under-estimated. Beyond the vast opportunity manifest in African markets, we highlight people who make a difference; leaders turning the tide, youth driving change, and an indefatigable business community. That is what we believe will change the continent, and that is what we report on. With hard-hitting investigations, innovative analysis and deep dives into countries and sectors, The Africa Report delivers the insight you need.
