(3 Minutes Read)
Africa’s top business leaders and political decision-makers are converging in Abidjan for the 2025 edition of the Africa CEO Forum, taking place on 12–13 May in Côte d’Ivoire. With over 2,000 high-level participants from 73 countries, the forum opens with a call to action: “It’s time to strike a new deal with the African private sector.”
Recognised as the continent’s premier private sector gathering, the Africa CEO Forum has become an essential platform for high-impact dialogue between business and government leaders. Jointly organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event underlines its growing geopolitical relevance with the attendance of several African heads of state and global business icons.
As the world grapples with protectionism, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability, African nations are being urged to develop innovative economic models tailored to the continent’s distinct challenges and opportunities.
The forum will be officially opened by President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group, and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the IFC. Their opening remarks will set the stage for a dynamic program focused on catalysing Africa’s economic transformation.
A robust agenda of expert-led panel discussions will address strategic priorities, including industrial policy, fiscal innovation, the rise of artificial intelligence, and enhanced regional economic integration. High-profile speakers include Christel Heydemann (CEO, Orange), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (Chairman, Access Holdings & Coronation Group), and Soren Toft (CEO, Mediterranean Shipping Company).
Special “Invest in” sessions will spotlight investment opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, offering global investors direct access to Africa’s most dynamic markets.
A pivotal moment of the forum will be a debate among leading candidates for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency, taking place just days before the official vote, providing valuable insights into the bank’s future direction.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/two-day-africa-ceo-forum-kicks-off-in-kigali/
Celebrating innovation and leadership, the Africa CEO Forum Awards will honour companies and individuals whose efforts have driven impactful change in job creation, innovation, and economic development across the continent.
In a rapidly evolving global environment, the 2025 Africa CEO Forum stands as a powerful catalyst for Africa’s economic sovereignty, resilience, and global competitiveness.
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Danish
English
French
Hindi
Italian
Norwegian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish