Business
2022 Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit partners with Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa
Connectivity and digital inclusion to take centre stage at the 2022 Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit, to be held on 25-26 October in Kigali, Rwanda
DURBAN, South Africa, July 5, 2022/APO Group/ —
Connectivity is an essential part of doing business in the twenty-first century. It touches every aspect of life – and yet, in 2022, approximately only 40% of the African population has access to the internet (Statista). If business in Africa is to compete with the rest of the world, it must urgently address this gap – the continent’s economic growth depends on it.
Africa can leapfrog into the digital future and accelerate economic growth by intentionally and consciously providing access for all. Furthermore, Shared Value thinking can drive business solutions to address Africa’s challenges through technology. Done right, digital transformation can create vast opportunities to grow industries and trade, enhance financial inclusion, and ultimately create sustainable economies. It is therefore in the best interest of business – not only governments – to intentionally collaborate and invest in the ecosystems it needs not only to survive but to grow.
This landscape has motivated the sixth annual Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit programme to focus on the role of connectivity and digital inclusion in Africa’s economic growth and ultimate success.
With this in mind, the organisers of the Summit, the Shared Value Africa Initiative and Shift Impact Africa, have partnered with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSMA) to bring their two flagship events together. In a first for Africa and the global Shared Value community, the 2022 Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit will take place alongside the Mobile World Congress Africa (MWC Africa).
The GSMA is a global institution that represents the telco and digital services sectors, and their MWC events bring together key players in these industries, with a primary focus on the mobile communications industry. This alignment will assemble multisectoral players to discuss innovation, technology, inclusion, opportunities and solutions for Africa’s digital and connectivity challenges. It broadens opportunities for connection and networking to explore collaborations, partnerships, and engagement beyond the scope of either event.
The Summit’s programme will highlight how Shared Value thinking, technology and digital inclusion can combine to drive Africa’s economic growth, equality, inclusion and sustainability.
Says Tiekie Barnard, Founder and CEO of Shift Impact Africa and Shared Value Africa Initiative, “As we count down to the Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit in October, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be our biggest to date. Creating Shared Value and access for all through technology and connectivity is the solution to a sustainable future for Africa. As business, it is our responsibility to deliver this to our people.”
Digital technology must act as a catalyst for creating jobs and improving business productivity to the benefit of all of Africa’s citizens. It is key for education, healthcare, financial services and human empowerment.
Creating Shared Value and access for all through technology and connectivity is the solution to a sustainable future for Africa
Digital inclusion not only improves individual outcomes, it also promotes productivity and growth. From digital marketing to ecommerce, even the smallest business can leverage connectivity to expand their footprint and reach new markets.
From the beginning, the Summit has demonstrated its commitment to and support of inter-industry collaboration to create ecosystems of impact that stretch further than any entity could reach alone. The partnership with the MWC Africa amplifies the Summit’s position as a platform to discuss and co-create Shared Value business solutions that drive inclusion and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals while also fostering economic growth and development. It underlines the importance of cross-sector innovation and collaboration in solving continental issues sustainably.
The two events will take place concurrently, with interlocking programmes that demonstrate both the future of connectivity and how combining it with the Shared Value mind-set can enable economic growth and people-centric sustainability.
So far, the Summit is honoured to welcome back returning sponsors Abbott and Old Mutual Ltd for the 2022 Summit, as well as new sponsor Visa.
For those who will gather at the Kigali Convention Centre in October, their ticket will grant them access to both the Summit programme and that of MWC Africa for the duration of the Summit. There is also an option to attend the Summit virtually, via livestream, which includes access to the combined keynote addresses by some of the continent’s business luminaries.
Registrations have already opened, and there is no cost to attend. Visit the Summit website, www.AfricaSharedValueSummit.com, to learn more and secure your place.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Shared Value Summit.
Events
As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation
Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.
Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.
The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.
“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.
“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.
Key challenges driving the debate
Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:
This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy
Global Realignment & New Partnerships
How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.
Financing Africa’s Future
The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.
Strategic Value Chains
Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.
Digital Transformation & Technology
Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.
The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.
Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
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