Key topics included unlocking inclusive trade growth, Africa’s role in clean energy, digital advancements, and the global impact of African creativity and sports

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org) flagship event wrapped up on September 26, 2024, in New York, successfully concluding a two-day summit held alongside the UN General Assembly. Themed “Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063”, the event attracted over 2,000 leaders, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators, all focused on positioning Africa as a global leader. 

The summit emphasized inclusive participation and solution-driven solutions, culminating in a final roundtable where stakeholders committed to tackling pressing challenges. Key topics included unlocking inclusive trade growth, Africa’s role in clean energy, digital advancements, and the global impact of African creativity and sports. 

Powerful Closing Remarks 
UN Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo commended the Africa Business Leaders Coalition for its leadership, noting a nearly 25% reduction in carbon footprints among participating businesses since launching a climate statement at COP27. Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed the critical role of Africa’s private sector in driving impactful change, emphasizing that with the right investments and partnerships, Africa is poised for transformative growth. 

Introducing Itana: A Digital Future for Africa 
A major highlight was the launch of Itana, Africa’s first Digital Free Zone. This initiative enables global technology, finance, and service businesses to operate seamlessly in Nigeria and scale across Africa, entirely online. Itana offers attractive incentives, including tax breaks, streamlined immigration processes, and tailored banking solutions, along with a live-in accelerator program and live-work districts that showcase the future of African urban development. 

Insightful Panels and Discussions 
Day Two started with a panel on closing Africa’s climate finance gap, which revealed that the continent receives less than 5% of global climate funding despite its renewable energy potential. Another panel explored the rising significance of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, highlighting their role in economic growth and reshaping narratives. 

The discussion on the digital economy included insights from leaders like Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Paula Ingabire, and Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, who emphasized the necessity for strategic financing and inclusive policies. 

Additionally, a session on the African fashion sector showcased the industry’s growth potential, with a focus on female designers dedicated to establishing a competitive presence in the global market. 

NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Award 
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, presented the NBA Africa Startup Accelerator award to Festival Coins, a Nigerian tech company known for its Tix Africa platform, which simplifies event registration and ticketing in Nigeria and Ghana. This initiative aims to support Africa’s tech ecosystem by providing mentorship and funding to emerging entrepreneurs. 

‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a testament to the resilience, ambition, and growth that we see across the region

New Partnerships and Future Directions 
The event also served as a platform for announcing significant partnerships aimed at shaping Africa’s future: 

• Mine Tech Hub Contribution: H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia announced a significant contribution to the Mine Tech Hub, which aims to promote technological innovation in the mining sector, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.  

• Timbuktoo Initiative: H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, expressed his strong support for the Timbuktoo Initiative, a global effort led by UNDP Africa focused on youth empowerment, digitalization, and sustainable development.  

• Infrastructure Collaboration: Turkish construction company SUMMA and TAV Airports announced a collaboration to enhance infrastructure development and investment opportunities in Africa, Selim Bora, Chairman of SUMMA, said: ‘‘We believe in the transformative power of infrastructure to shape the future of Africa. For over a decade, we have proudly partnered with nations across the continent creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. ‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a testament to the resilience, ambition, and growth that we see across the region.”  

Key initiatives for 2025 include: 

• Food Systems: GABI signed a $250,000 partnership with PepsiCo to mobilize the private sector in Africa to transform food systems. The partnership will coincide with key milestones, including a GABI Bridge at the UN Global Compact Annual Local Network Forum in South Africa in 2025 and the Food Systems Summit.  

• Education: A planned partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems. This collaboration will build on the outcomes of the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and begin with a side event hosted by GPE during Convene in 2025.  

The 2024 GABI event concluded with optimism and a shared commitment to harness Africa’s potential for global leadership. With concrete plans and partnerships now established, the initiative is poised to continue its momentum toward a future where Africa leads on the global stage. 

View photos from Day 2 here (https://apo-opa.co/3BuaanQ) and event B-roll (https://apo-opa.co/4eloo9f) here. For more information about Unstoppable Africa event, please visit the Website (https://apo-opa.co/3Bm8Gfu)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

These move underscore APO’s commitment to recognising potential, fostering leadership from within, and giving team members the platform to advance in their careers

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 26, 2024/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce a significant leadership appointment with the promotion of Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Scott to Vice President (VP) of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff.

These move underscore APO’s commitment to recognising potential, fostering leadership from within, giving team members the platform to advance in their careers, and highlight APO Group’s dedication to nurturing and elevating its internal talent.

In her new capacity, Michelle will spearhead the newly established Business Enablement Department. Her focus will be on optimising customer experience, driving operational efficiencies, and enhancing cost management. She will oversee project management, business analysis, and cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring seamless integration between the Business Enablement Team and all company departments.

“Michelle’s deep understanding of our business, combined with her strategic mindset and ability to identify areas for improvement, makes her the perfect choice to lead the Business Enablement team,” said Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group. “Her analytical approach and commitment to finding effective solutions will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and supporting our long-term goals.”

Throughout her time at APO Group, Michelle Scott has consistently shown exceptional loyalty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence

In her dual role, Michelle will not only drive operational efficiencies as VP of Business Enablement but, as Chief of Staff, she will also serve as a trusted adviser and strategist to Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, ensuring there is seamless alignment between leadership and APO Group’s overall vision.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) stated, “Throughout her time at APO Group, Michelle Scott has consistently shown exceptional loyalty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. From the moment she joined as my Senior Executive Assistant, it was clear that she had the potential to contribute far beyond her role and grow alongside the company.

Her sharp and decisive leadership has earned Michelle the trust and respect of her colleagues. Her leadership has already delivered meaningful improvements to our operations, and we look forward to the continued infusion of fresh energy and strategic insights that she will bring as she officially joins our Leadership Team.”

“I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Vice President of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff at APO Group,” said Michelle Scott. “The establishment of the Business Enablement division highlights our organisation’s growth, evolution, and commitment to embracing new technologies and innovations. I am thrilled about this incredible opportunity and look forward to collaborating closely with our talented teams to advance our strategic objectives, enhance operational efficiencies, and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.

I am confident that the exciting journey we embark on today will shape our future and solidify our position as the leading communications partner of choice in Africa. Additionally, I am immensely proud to be part of a company that not only values its clients but also prioritises the development of its team. My promotion is a testament to this commitment.”

APO Group is entering an exciting new chapter of innovation and growth. We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and transforming the communications industry across Africa. We encourage our clients, partners, and stakeholders to join us on this journey as we continue to raise the bar, set new industry standards, and create a meaningful impact across the continent.  APO Group congratulates Michelle Scott on her well-deserved promotion and looks forward to the continued success she will bring in her new role as Vice President of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

This two-day summit coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and is co-hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and African Union Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 26, 2024/APO Group/ — 

World leaders from business, government, finance, sports, and the creative arts convened in New York for the third annual “Unstoppable Africa” event today. Organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (https://GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org/), this summit aims to establish the continent as the premier destination for business, trade, and investment.

Under the theme “Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063,” the event emphasizes inclusive participation, focused dialogue, and actionable solutions. This two-day summit coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and is co-hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and African Union Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. Coordinated by the UN Global Compact, GABI provides a crucial platform for global leaders—including Heads of State, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and industry specialists—to collaborate on advancing Africa’s business landscape.

The opening day featured notable attendees such as H.E. Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Julie Monaco, Global Head of Public Sector Banking, Citi; Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); WNBA All-Star and ESPN host, Chiney Ogwumike; Mr. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder and CEO of Dangote Group; Chido Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth to AU Chairperson; and Mr. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their presence underscored the critical role Africa plays in shaping a prosperous and sustainable global future.

In his keynote video address, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to drive progress in Africa and globally. He stated that achieving an unstoppable Africa requires “collective, unstoppable efforts to foster development in areas like renewable energy, food systems, education, and digital transformation.” Guterres also advocated for meaningful reforms in the global financial architecture to ensure that all countries receive the necessary support, while promoting job creation and economic growth through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted Africa’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of its people. “Africa’s story is one of determination, progress, and hope. Our strength lies not only in our resources but in our people—mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters—who tirelessly work to build a better future.”

Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed emphasized Africa’s emerging economic leadership, particularly with the African Union’s inclusion in the G20. This milestone enhances Africa’s voice in global governance and integrates the continent’s development priorities into broader decisions that promote equity and sustainability.

Africa’s story is one of determination, progress, and hope

Insightful Sessions and Discussions

The opening session featured a powerful panel discussion titled “The ‘Africa Youth Fix’ for a World in Crisis.” This conversation explored the immense potential of Africa’s youth, who are eager to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s and the world’s future. With Africa’s median age at just 19, the panel highlighted the opportunities in harnessing the creativity, energy, and ambition of young people across sectors such as technology, trade, energy, and the creative industries.

In a session focused on boosting trade, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stressed the necessity of removing barriers to the movement of people, goods, and services to accelerate free trade in Africa. He pointed out the disparities in access faced by Africans compared to those holding American or British passports and emphasized that fostering business relationships requires greater freedom of movement.

During the “Unstoppable Africans” session, Faouzi Annajah, Co-Founder of NamX, shared his journey as an innovator in the electric vehicle market, discussing his ambitious project to launch Africa’s first hydrogen-powered SUV by 2027.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, outlined the company’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for Africa’s future. He emphasized Microsoft’s focus on developing world-class AI platforms and infrastructure that will benefit the continent.

WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike announced her new foundation, Queens of the Continent, during a fireside chat with Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors. The foundation aims to create opportunities for women and girls across Africa, using sport as a transformative vehicle to promote gender equity and access to opportunities.

As the event transitions into its second day, stakeholders will build on the momentum, focusing on actionable strategies to accelerate Africa’s growth agenda. The solutions roundtable will culminate in concrete commitments to address pressing challenges, including key trade and energy agreements and the impacts of climate change.

GABI remains dedicated to ensuring Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the global future is recognized and maximized. Day 2 promises more groundbreaking announcements and partnerships that will solidify Africa’s rise as an unstoppable force in the global economy. View of the photos from Unstoppable Africa event, Day 1 here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZHH3HR) and the event b-roll here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDCu1m).

For more information on Day 2, visit the Website (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDOQGF).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.