Latest news with #UnstoppableAfrica
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) announces fourth Unstoppable Africa flagship event in New York
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) ( will convene the fourth edition of its annual flagship event, Unstoppable Africa, on September 21-22, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York. CNN's Larry Madowo and Al Jazeera's Folly Bah Thibault will return as MCs. Unstoppable Africa is the leading African business forum outside the continent. Hosted by United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union, the event will take place just before the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Unstoppable Africa aims to accelerate the continent's economic transformation and empower Africa to lead in shaping the markets of tomorrow. The global landscape is shifting rapidly with trade tensions, evolving alliances, and supply chain disruptions redefining the rules of international trade and commerce. For Africa, these changes present not just challenges but also a significant opportunity. Africa must lead, define its path, and shape its markets. That's why the theme of Unstoppable Africa 2025 is both timely and imperative: The BIG Push: Africa Shapes the Markets. Since its launch in 2022, GABI has brought together more than 8,000 participants, including 10 Heads of State, Government Ministers, corporate executives, investors, philanthropists, academics, artists and designers, stars of sports and screen and UN leaders, to focus on Africa's economic agenda. This year's flagship event will explore how Africa can adapt to global changes and take the lead in areas like Energy, Digital Transformation, Trade, the Creative Economy, and Sport. Key Discussions and Featured Speakers Issues up for discussion at this year's event include: Critical Minerals and Value Chains: Strategic dialogue on harnessing Africa's resources such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths, through value addition, processing, and innovation. Unlocking Capital: Innovative financing mechanisms to fuel local enterprises, SMEs, and transformative infrastructure projects. Technology and Market Access: Case studies on how digital innovation is overcoming logistical barriers and connecting African businesses to new frontiers. AfCFTA in Action: Exploring how deeper regional integration can boost intra-African trade and strengthen supply chain resilience. A special fireside chat will feature Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star, real estate investor, and philanthropist, known for his extensive investments in African energy and property sectors as well as his commitment to youth empowerment. Another highlight will be an innovation-focused conversation with Silas Adekunle, Nigerian-born robotics engineer, inventor, and tech entrepreneur, globally recognized for creating the 'MekaMon' gaming robot and for pioneering robotics education to equip the next generation of African innovators. Other speakers confirmed so far include Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom; Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Naspers; Martin Ochien'g, CEO, Sasini; Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO, Critical Minerals Africa Group; Dr. George Elombi, Incoming President, African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank); Tshepo Mahloele, Chairman, Harith General Partners; Samaila Zubairu, President&CEO, African Finance Corporation; Amina J Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General&CEO, UN Global Compact; Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa; Nardos Bekele-Thomas ( CEO, NEPAD; Olivier Laouchez, co-founder, Trace; Marcus Samuelsson, Chef and Author; Ndivhuwo 'Elaine' Mukheli, singer-songwriter; Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and Omoyemi Akelere, CEO, Lagos Fashion Week. In the run up to the event, GABI has started a social media campaign on LinkedIn, X and Instagram asking leaders and influencers to answer the question What Makes Africa Unstoppable? ( By mobilizing personal reflections and stories that inspire, the campaign seeks to spark a wave of organic, high-impact social media engagement. Follow the campaign using #UnstoppableAfrica and #GABI. While the New York event is by invitation only, registration is now open for participants wishing to attend virtually. For more information and to sign up, visit: GABI is coordinated by the UN Global Compact in partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa, UNDP Africa, Sustainable Energy for All, International Telecommunications Union, International Trade Centre, and the Office for the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Africa. For more information about the Global Africa Business Initiative and Unstoppable Africa event, please visit the GABI Website: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global Africa Business Initiative Calls for a Bold Reimagining of Africa's Economic Narrative
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) ( issued its Unstoppable Africa 2024 Executive Summary today, shedding light on transformative strategies and solutions to reshape Africa's financial narrative and accelerate economic growth. The report highlights GABI's call for the development of an inclusive financing model to address Africa's unique challenges, focusing on concessional financing, attracting private sector investment and mobilizing domestic resources as essential mechanisms to unlock the continent's potential. The report also stresses the importance of African institutions taking the lead in changing global risk perceptions and supporting innovative financial solutions to de-risk projects and secure long-term investments. In its third year, GABI's annual flagship event, Unstoppable Africa, has firmly established itself as the premier Africa-focused event in New York during the United Nations General Assembly high-level opening week, drawing interest and participation from global leaders. Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact said, 'The GABI 2024 Executive Summary captures the transformative outcomes of the highly successful 'Unstoppable Africa' event, reflecting the groundbreaking solutions and impactful discussions that transpired. This event has played a crucial role in bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and align on these transformative strategies. 'By highlighting key initiatives and partnerships, this report underscores our commitment to positioning Africa at the center of global economic transformation. It is not just a reflection of our progress but a call to action for continued collaboration and ambition. We believe that by aligning with the aspirations of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, we can unlock the full potential of Africa and contribute to a prosperous future for all.' A Landmark Event The 'Unstoppable Africa' event was held on 25-26 September 2024 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. With over 4,000 participants, including 1,545 in person and 2,531 online, the event drew notable figures including six Heads of State and Government from Barbados, Côte D'Ivoire, DRC, Eswatini, the Netherlands, and Poland, along with 14 Government Ministers from 13 countries. Key figures from the global private sector, top business leaders, and icons from the sports, music, and creative industries also spoke at and attended the conference. Key Findings of the GABI 2024 Executive Summary The report focuses on significant achievements in the energy sector, such as the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide clean energy access to 300 million Africans by 2030. It highlights successful examples from Togo, Mauritania, and Ghana, where distributed renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids are significantly expanding energy access to rural and underserved communities. The vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa's energy transition is stressed, along with the need to empower these enterprises by bridging gaps in finance and climate action knowledge. In the realm of digital transformation, the report accentuates the continent's rapid technological adoption and youthful population as key drivers for economic growth. It focuses on comprehensive digital upskilling programs that are equipping African youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital economy. The report highlights the launch of Itana, Africa's first Digital Economic Zone where global and Pan-African companies can incorporate online, operate remotely, and access the African talent pool and market. The creative industries are identified as vital economic drivers. The report highlights the potential of Africa's vibrant fashion, film, music, and entertainment sectors to deliver jobs, boost tourism, and build the African brand. In the sports sector, the report states the need for modern infrastructure and the establishment of continental leagues to enhance economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural diplomacy. It spotlights initiatives like the Queens of the Continent Foundation and the NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Award, which are creating opportunities for young athletes and entrepreneurs. Core Themes Unstoppable Africa focused on five themes: Energy Access and Transition: Public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and blended finance were emphasized as keys to clean energy solutions. Inclusive Growth and Trade: Discussions on reshaping Africa's financial narrative stressed the need for private investment and the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Digital Transformation: Bridging the digital divide and equipping youth with digital skills were identified as priorities. The progress of the UNDP Timbuktoo Initiative was celebrated. Creative Industries: Africa's cultural sectors were recognized as essential to both economic growth and global influence. Sports: Calls for modern sports infrastructure and continental leagues marked their potential to drive economic and social impact. GABI 2025 This year, GABI will convene the 4th edition of Unstoppable Africa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at Marriott Marquis Hotel in Mid-Town Manhattan, New York City on Sunday and Monday 21-22 September 2025. Once again, the convening will bring together the private sector, governments, policymakers, global and regional stakeholders to develop actionable frameworks for Africa's development. Additionally, GABI plans on hosting several GABI Bridges events throughout the year, including a side event at the Africa CEO Forum on May 12 -13 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. These engagements will provide focused discussions on specific topics, building up to the flagship forum in September. For more information on the GABI and Unstoppable Africa 2024, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.
