(3 Minutes Read)
One of the major issues discussed was the importance of financial intelligence in accelerating the continent’s growth. Although digitalization has helped improve financial inclusion, financial literacy remains insufficient. Also, the discussants flagged the need for improving the financial literacy of the least developed countries in the region.
The Business Africa 2025 Forum took place in Paris on 1-2 March 2025. Three major themes were on the agenda: financial intelligence as a driver of development, the return of diaspora talent, and the role of women in entrepreneurship.
One of the major issues discussed was the importance of financial intelligence in accelerating the continent’s growth. Although digitalization has helped improve financial inclusion, financial literacy remains insufficient. Also, the discussants flagged the need for improving the financial literacy of the least developed countries in the region.
The African Diaspora has shown interest in investing in the continent in many sectors, including real estate, and many have shown the inclination to return to their home countries. For instance, in 2020, 40% of the diaspora in France considered returning to the continent immediately, and 71% within the next ten years. This momentum is accelerating in 2024 with Africa’s 4% growth and the rise of opportunities in digital, agriculture, and education. But there are challenges, which were discussed threadbare at the Summit. The foremost issue is about the plus points that the continent can offer to a prospective investor. Integration of the African markets has been given priority with the launch of AfCFTA, but its progress is tardy.
The third major theme concerns women’s entrepreneurship, which is progressing but still faces persistent inequalities. According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, female entrepreneurs in France receive 30% less funding than men, and this figure rises to 50% for Afro-descendants.
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In Africa, the situation is even more complicated. The World Bank reveals that only 20% of businesses are led by women, and they only access 1% of the total available financing. Gwenola Monteiro, founder of Weno Holding, shares her struggles:
