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‘‘Unstoppable Africa” Concludes with Key Announcements and Commitments to Drive Growth in Africa

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Global Africa Business Initiative

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.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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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.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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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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