- “Unstoppable Africa” is a two-day event organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI).
- The event aims to position Africa as a hub for business, trade, and investment.
- Participants include Presidents, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and UN leaders.
Leaders from global business, investment, government, sports, and the arts gathered in New York on Thursday, 21st September to mark the commencement of “Unstoppable Africa”.
This event, organised by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), aspires to amplify Africa’s significance in the worldwide economy. It seeks to position the continent as the ultimate hub for business, trade, and investment.
Unstoppable Africa
Over two days, this event, co-convened by UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina J. Mohamed, and the Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, took place alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
GABI, under the coordination of the UN Global Compact, emerged as a pivotal platform for Presidents, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and UN leaders to engage in discussions and formulate strategies for Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
“Unstoppable Africa” serves as a resounding affirmation of GABI’s steadfast commitment to reshaping Africa’s economic narrative. On the first day, the flagship event drew an impressive lineup of speakers and participants. Notable participants included presidents from Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Poland, and Barbados, along with government ministers.
Sustainable development in Africa
The event also featured renowned business titans Mo Ibrahim, Phumzile Langeni, James Manyika, and Brad Smith. The mood was set with a captivating performance by Senegalese artist Baaba Maal advocating for peace and prosperity in Africa. Actor Arsema Thomas engaged in an insightful interview conducted by Folly Bah Thibault from Al Jazeera English.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the two-day forum with a call for “justice delivery,” a central theme for sustainable development in Africa.
He underscored the need to reform outdated, unfair, and dysfunctional global financial systems while ensuring African representation in multilateral discussions.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados underscored the importance of translating ambition into meaningful action in the African context. She highlighted the emerging unity and collaborative efforts across the continent, emphasizing the urgency for nations to move from plans to tangible actions that drive transformative change.
In a major announcement, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), revealed a transformative partnership with Google to establish a Center of Excellence for coding in Africa.
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Addressing climate change
Other significant announcements included the Democratic Republic of Congo’s commitment to position itself prominently in the batteries and electric vehicles value chains, the launch of Ghana’s Energy Blue Zone Initiative, and more, all aimed at addressing climate change and advancing economic growth.
The “Unstoppable Africa” event promises to sustain its momentum featuring thought-provoking discussions, innovative solutions, and collaborative initiatives that will define Africa’s role in the global economy.
Leaders from various sectors will converge to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart a course toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for Africa and the world.
