Imagine a room buzzing with the energy of over 2,000 business leaders and government officials, all united by a singular goal: steering Africa toward a more prosperous future. That’s exactly what the Africa CEO Forum, organized by the renowned Jeune Afrique Media group in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), aims to achieve. This year’s theme, “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”, encapsulates the essence of the event—it’s about harnessing the synergistic potential of public-private partnerships to navigate both the obstacles and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The agenda is framed around three pivotal pillars: bolstering governance, refining public policies, and accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The success of this forum could very well be a turning point for Africa’s global economic role. How do we enhance our governance systems to foster more participative and transparent decision-making? What innovative approaches can we adopt to reform public policies? These are some of the questions this forum seeks to answer.

Amir Ben Yahmed, the esteemed President of the Africa CEO Forum, eloquently states,
“The current transactional environment gives Africa the ultimate incentive to remove the barriers still holding back its private sector, as no other alternative can match its adaptive speed, innovative capacity, and strategic agility. This is the core mission of the Africa CEO Forum, and we will continue to champion this vision together.”
It’s a clarion call to action, urging stakeholders to eliminate the obstacles that deter the private sector from realizing its full potential. This, according to Yahmed, is the heartbeat of the Forum—a mission that promises not just potential, but substantial, tangible outcomes.

There are numerous structural challenges that African countries face, ranging from industrialization issues to energy and labor market inefficiencies. Tackling these requires well-articulated public policies. But, policies alone are not enough. We must ask ourselves: How can we leverage Africa’s immense potential to become a global powerhouse? The rapid implementation of the AfCFTA can set the stage for enhanced intra-African trade, improved infrastructure, and, ultimately, a unified and competitive African economy.

The Africa CEO Forum functions not merely as a meeting ground but as a fertile space for debates, negotiations, and workshops. Ever pondered about AI’s role in governance or the evolving dynamics of African energy landscapes? The Forum delves into these compelling topics, along with a comprehensive look at supply chain resilience and the changing face of local financing in an era where development aid is increasingly scarce.

According to Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of IFC,
“We are privileged to co-host the Africa CEO Forum for the fifth year—a partnership that reflects our commitment to fostering a dynamic and forward-looking private sector in Africa. By advancing locally driven solutions and enhancing their investment readiness, we are working with Africa’s private sector leaders to pioneer new and sustainable models of progress.”
His words inspire confidence in Africa’s capacity to rise as a behemoth through the collective efforts of its leaders.

This forum marks an unparalleled rendezvous point for Africa’s elite—from over 900 CEOs to high-ranking government figures. It provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with stakeholders who will shape Africa’s economic landscape. Among the confirmed attendees are luminaries such as President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, and Makhtar Diop of IFC, alongside corporate giants like Christel Heydemann, CEO of the Orange Group, and Samaila Zubairu, CEO of AFC. Their presence signifies a critical mass of influence and expertise, poised to steer pivotal discussions.

About the Africa CEO Forum: Established in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum stands as the continent’s leading platform for CEOs, investors, and government officials. Initiated by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by IFC, it serves as a nexus for high-level conversations and pioneering ideas that can catalyze economic growth. For more insights into the Forum’s mission and objectives, visit
the official website.

About IFC: As part of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation is dedicated to spurring private sector growth in emerging markets. Spanning over 100 countries and leveraging $56 billion in fiscal year 2024, it stands at the forefront of transformative development. Learn more about how IFC is reshaping global development at
IFC’s website.