Folly Bah Thibault and Larry Madowo to MC exclusive two-day forum on Africa’s future
NEW YORK, United States of America, September 5, 2024/APO Group/ —
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org) has announced its line up and programme (https://apo-opa.co/4gf9Edj) for its annual two-day event on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. Taking place on 25-26 September, this year’s forum “Unstoppable Africa: The Solution for a Global Future” will bring together influential leaders from the public and private sectors to advance Africa’s role in shaping global business solutions.
This year, Unstoppable Africa will take place alongside the Summit of the Future, a landmark convening of the UN General Assembly.
Central to this event is the recent strategic partnership between the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the African Union Commission, which focuses on leveraging Africa’s business potential to drive sustainable development. This partnership aims to advance Agenda 2063 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development).
Titled “Unstoppable Africa: The Solution for a Global Future,” the 2024 GABI event will not only highlight Africa’s economic resilience and vast potential but will also be a platform for presenting novel and practical solutions to some of the most urgent global challenges. From addressing energy transitions and ensuring access to sustainable power, to advancing digital transformation across sectors and promoting inclusive growth, Unstoppable Africa will position the continent as a leader in the global pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future.
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, which convenes GABI, commented, “With a market valued at over $3 trillion, Africa is poised for unprecedented growth and development. Africa’s GDP growth rate is expected to outpace the global average, with projections of 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025.
“GABI was born from a powerful realization: the world has been doing business in Africa, but not always with Africa. We stand to rebalance that equation. GABI isn’t just another forum; we are a solution-oriented platform dedicated to shaping Africa’s business future. Our mission is clear: Convene, Connect, Catalyze, and Convey. We convene stakeholders to address Africa’s unique challenges, connect Africa’s private sector with global partners, catalyze sustainable growth through collaboration, and convey support for initiatives that deliver real results.
“Unstoppable Africa will bring together Africa’s brightest minds and global leaders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. When Africa wins, the world wins. Africa is ready to lead, and GABI is where Africa meets the world’s political, business, and philanthropic leaders.”
Our mission is clear: Convene, Connect, Catalyze, and Convey
This year, the event will focus on several key themes that address Africa’s growing role in shaping the global future:
Unlocking Inclusive Growth through Trade: Africa’s vast economic potential is increasingly tied to the development of inclusive trade systems that benefit all sectors of society. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to transform intra-African trade, the event will explore how policymakers and business leaders can capitalize on this agreement to spur economic growth, reduce poverty, and create jobs.
Africa: The Solution for Clean Energy: Leaders in the energy sector will discuss the continent’s unique ability to leapfrog into renewable energy solutions, overcoming the barriers of outdated infrastructure and delivering modern energy access to millions.
Africa’s Digital Revolution: Sessions on digital transformation will explore Africa’s rapid advancements in technology, from fintech to AI, and how these technological advances are enabling the continent to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and trade.
Sport: And the Winner Is… Africa! Africa’s sports industry is emerging as a powerful driver of socio-economic transformation. From football to track, African athletes continue to make their mark on the world stage, and discussions will focus on building sports ecosystems that develop talent, attract investments, and foster national pride.
African Creativity for the World: The event will shine a spotlight on Africa’s cultural powerhouses—its creative industries and sports sectors—which are becoming major economic drivers. On Thursday, 26 September, GABI will host a special film showcase titled “Bold Stories” dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of African women filmmakers in the entertainment industry.
As Africa solidifies its role in the G20 and BRICS, the continent is poised for greater global significance. Despite economic challenges, Africa’s economy is projected to grow at 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025, outpacing the global average of 2.9% and 3.2%.
Unstoppable Africa will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and Larry Madowo from CNN and is supported by African Union, Afreximbank, BUA, Flour Mills Nigeria, Google, Rockefeller Foundation, Safaricom, and Summa Group among others.
Confirmed speakers include:
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General
Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General
Aliko Dangote, Founder, CEO, and Chairman, Dangote Group
Selim Bora, Chair, Summa International Construction
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Mo Abudu, CEO, Ebony Life Group
Claire Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa
Sara Sabry, Africa’s first female astronaut
Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors
James Manyika, SVP of Technology and Society, Google-Alphabet
Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA
Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO, Axian Group
With the right investments, partnerships, and opportunities, Africa’s private sector has the potential to drive significant change in a world that urgently needs solutions. “Unstoppable Africa” will bring together the continent’s most dynamic current and future leaders on a powerful platform dedicated to collaboration and actionable commitments. Through this event, Africa’s changemakers will unite to address global challenges with impactful solutions and transformative actions.
To attend the Unstoppable Africa 2024 event in-person in New York, attendees are invited to register here: https://apo-opa.co/4dOQNUR.
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
LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.
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.
After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.
Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:
Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
Extortion
Intimidation
Fraud
Misuse of company funds
Theft and misappropriation of funds
Breach of fiduciary duty
Mismanagement
His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.
We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.
We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility
This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.
The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.
The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.
We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth
Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:
“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”
H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”
This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.
Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
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