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As global economic order fragments, Africa’s corporate and political leaders rally around a new imperative: building African champions through shared equity, infrastructure and regulatory harmonisation.
The Africa CEO Forum, the continent’s leading platform for high-level public-private dialogue and dealmaking, will convene in Kigali for its 2026 edition at a time of profound global economic realignment. The defining question before Africa’s decision-makers: how to achieve the scale necessary to compete, integrate and thrive in a fragmenting world.
As global power dynamics evolve, the ability of Africa to rely on competitive, agile and internationally integrated corporate champions has become a defining corporate imperative. One lesson stands clear: scale is no longer optional. It is the first line of defence.
A Continent at a Crossroads: Resilience Meets the Need for Scale
Africa has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Growth rates are rising, sovereign ratings are improving, and key African financial institutions have secured record replenishment. Yet reaching the necessary scale will require more than removing physical and regulatory barriers. It demands a new mindset anchored in a new vision: shared ownership.
Organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) , the Africa CEO Forum 2026 will convene Africa’s leading public and private decision-makers around a clear conviction: scale can only be achieved through shared African ownership.
Strong Nigerian Presence Reflects Continental Leadership
This year’s edition will feature a particularly strong Nigerian presence, reflecting the country’s central role in shaping Africa’s economic future. Alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Forum will welcome prominent Nigerian business leaders and investors, including:
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Aliko Dangote | Dangote Group |
| Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede | – |
| Adesuwa Ladoja | – |
| Rachel More-Oshodi | – |
| Wale Tinubu | Oando |
| Zouera Youssoufou | – |
| Dany Abboud | – |
| Ayo Otuyalo | – |
| Chukwuerika Achum | – |
Three Strategic Levers to Build Continental Scale
The Forum will explore three strategic levers designed to accelerate Africa’s path to scale:
1. Shared Equity
Unlock cross-border equity investment to create multinational African champions. Mobilise African institutional capital across markets to strengthen resilience and enhance long-term returns.
2. Shared Infrastructure
Design complementary infrastructure to integrate African value chains. Champion transformative projects that serve regional, not merely national, needs—creating truly connected markets.
3. Shared Frameworks
Harmonise standards, rules and regulations to boost investor confidence and enable the free flow of capital, goods and services. Build future-proof digital rails for health, education, agriculture and cross-border payments.
Leadership Perspectives
“If Africa wants to compete in a world defined by scale, it must move beyond economic patriotism and embrace a new model: African capital investing together,” said Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum.
“Shared ownership, cross-border partnerships and continental ambition will define the economic future of Africa and the next generation of African champions.”
“Africa has the capital and the opportunity to grow and create quality jobs,” said Makhtar Diop, Managing Director at IFC.
“What matters now is putting that capital to work at scale. That means building trust, sharing risk, and investing across borders. The Africa CEO Forum brings leaders together to connect policy and private investment, and to help shape Africa’s next phase of growth.”
A Decade After AfCFTA Negotiations: Turning Ambition into Action
Ten years after the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations, the Africa CEO Forum community will reconvene in Kigali on 14–15 May 2026 to turn ambition into concrete commitments.
Business leaders, investors, heads of state and ministers will be called upon to:
- Commit capital to cross-border ventures
- Share risk across markets
- Take ownership of Africa’s economic destiny
The message is clear: Africa must stake its claim in its own future.
Event Details at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Africa CEO Forum 2026 |
| Date | 14–15 May 2026 |
| Venue | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Organiser | Jeune Afrique Media Group |
| Co-host | International Finance Corporation (IFC) |
| Theme | Building scale through shared African ownership |
