Five presidents are set to attend the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, which will focus on the private sector’s role in driving the continent’s development and enhancing its global standing.
The forum, scheduled for May 16-17, marks its 11th edition and will gather 2,000 business executives, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. The theme for this year’s forum is “At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa.”
Discussions will center on various critical topics, including digital technology, integration, and free trade, strengthening Africa’s finance and agribusiness sectors, investment climate, and supporting Africa’s women entrepreneurs.
The heads of state scheduled to attend include President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President William Ruto of Kenya, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. The Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Robert Beugré Mambé, will also participate.
Nelly Mukazayire, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, emphasized the conference’s role in addressing development issues across Africa and adopting policies that enhance trade and investment. She highlighted the potential benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which aims to boost intra-African trade from its current level of 14.4% of Africa’s total exports to 33% and reduce the trade deficit by 51%.
Mukazayire also stressed the importance of evaluating whether decisions by leaders align with developmental aspirations and the need to unlock finances to maximize potential across sectors, enhance technological adoption, and promote regional integration.
Amir Ben Yahmed, founder of the Africa CEO Forum and president of Jeune Afrique Media Group, discussed the private sector’s crucial role in the economic development of African countries and the necessity of creating effective partnerships with governments. He noted the private sector’s often-timid approach to voicing concerns due to government interactions but emphasized the importance of being proactive and assertive in advocating for the best public policies similar to those in emerging markets.
Mary Porter Peschka, Regional Director for Eastern Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), mentioned that the forum would strengthen partnerships and build a knowledge base for socioeconomic development on the continent. She highlighted the critical juncture at which African economies find themselves, with rapid technological changes and the significant impact of climate change.
Peschka also pointed out that despite these challenges, Africa remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with a population expected to double by 2030, presenting both substantial opportunities and challenges. She views the Africa CEO Forum as an ideal platform for discussing and developing solutions.
Source: Newsday
