Panels

Africa’s relationship with developed nations has shifted from colonial rule to economic partnerships and global trade. In this session,
Farouk Gumel will explore key historical turning points and their impact on Africa’s current position. A moderated discussion will
follow, examining how Africa can build stronger, fairer partnerships and the role of business leaders, policymakers, and young
professionals in shaping the future.

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From traditional farming to cutting-edge technology, Africa’s agricultural sector is evolving. Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed
VI Polytechnic University, will share insights on how research institutions are driving sustainable innovation, improving food security,
and bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world farming solutions.

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This panel will explore the pivotal role of the public sector in fostering Africa's economic transformation through effective policymaking and innovation. By examining successful examples from across the continent, panelists will highlight how strategic government actions have laid the groundwork for thriving private sector initiatives. The discussion will focus on identifying critical policy priorities for the coming years to sustain growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and address systemic challenges. Attendees will gain insights into the collaboration needed between public institutions and private stakeholders to unlock Africa's full potential. Join us for a thought-provoking debate on shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for the continent

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Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

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For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

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This session will delve into the transformative role of media and entertainment in shaping Africa’s narrative on the global stage. Focusing on the intersection of culture, innovation, and business, the discussion will explore how African creatives and entrepreneurs are redefining the continent’s image through music. The speakers will share insights on building successful music ventures, bridging local stories with global audiences, and navigating challenges in production, distribution, and representation. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how the African media and music industries can thrive in a competitive global economy

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Health-focused Climate Adaptation: Innovating and Scaling Global Action for Local Impact.

Solutions for adapting healthcare to meet the threats posed by climate change remain immature. Enabling innovation and scaling solutions is a critical priority to protect vulnerable populations around the world, especially in Africa. This fireside will explore three areas of opportunity for innovation and the scaling of solutions that specifically target climate-related health challenges: 1) medical products and technologies that seek to reduce the burden of climate change on health; 2) health-related climate surveillance, early-warning, and response systems; and 3) climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, supply chain, and workforce capabilities.

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In the face of widespread energy inequities, this panel will examine how cross-border infrastructure and renewable energy innovation can reshape Africa’s energy landscape. Experts will discuss strategies for creating a unified energy grid across the continent, integrating both renewable and traditional energy sources. Attendees will learn how a coordinated approach can drive Africa’s energy independence and power economic growth

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Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a compelling pathway for entrepreneurs seeking to own and operate businesses in Africa. While startups often capture the entrepreneurial spotlight, acquiring and scaling existing businesses presents a high-impact alternative for driving economic growth, preserving jobs, and creating value. This fireside chat will explore the real-world journey of acquiring and managing businesses in Africa.

Panelists will share insights on sourcing opportunities, financing acquisitions, operational considerations, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs illustrated through case studies. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the ETA model and the practicalities of executing acquisitions in diverse African markets.

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Research by Brand Africa (www.brand.africa) has revealed that over the past 15 years, while 64% of Africans claim to believe in their continent, only 20% of the brands they admire are actually made in Africa. This disconnect is further highlighted by the mere 15% of intra-Africa trade.  However, a new chapter is unfolding with the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening doors for homegrown brands to flourish.Coupled with a renewed global spotlight on African brands, there has never been a better time for companies to capitalize on this momentum. Strong African brands now have the potential to not only drive economic growth but also reshape narratives about the continent.

The Building Sustainable Global African Brands masterclass will equip participants with insights, knowledge and skill and best practices to build compelling, impactful and differentiated global African brands in Africa; as well as a brand-led approach to reshaping the African narrative and perceptions.  

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With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to transform Africa’s economic landscape, the potential for intra-African trade is immense. However, realizing this promise requires overcoming political, infrastructural, and logistical hurdles. This panel will examine lessons from other regions and outline concrete strategies to accelerate AfCFTA’s impact, fostering a truly integrated and competitive African market

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The panel brings together key financiers in Africa—spanning the private sector, philanthropies, and public sector players—to explore how innovative financing can drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent. The discussion will highlight the critical role of collaboration among these stakeholders in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and unlocking its opportunities. Panelists will share insights on structuring impactful investments, mobilizing capital at scale, and leveraging strategic partnerships, while also addressing the challenges they face when operating in the region.

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Africa’s economic potential is immense, but fragmented infrastructure networks continue to hinder cross-border trade, mobility, and investment. This panel will explore how developing coordinated infrastructure projects —across airports, roads, railways, ports, and logistics systems — can serve as a catalyst for deeper regional integration and economic growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends on the ability to move goods, services, and people efficiently. Our esteemed panelists will discuss how harmonized infrastructure investments can break down physical and economic barriers, foster intra-African trade, and create unified networks that propel the continent forward

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Africa’s healthcare systems face critical challenges: reducing reliance on foreign aid, addressing the shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expanding access to care. This panel explores practical and innovative, sustainable models to transform healthcare delivery across the continent. This session will bring together investors, operators, and academics to explore

the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the adoption of technology in Africa. Panelists will discuss strengthening pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystems through local production, technology transfer, and regional collaboration. They will also highlight the role of private capital in scaling sustainable solutions and share insights on leveraging pharmacies as primary care providers to address NCDs. Together, they’ll outline actionable strategies for building resilient healthcare systems, emphasizing local innovation, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation. This session offers a roadmap for addressing Africa’s evolving healthcare needs.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and while the potential for AI to drive development in Africa has long been recognized, the question remains: is the continent poised to realize this potential? This panel brings together voices in AI innovation, investment, and governance to explore the state of AI on the continent. The discussion will examine how AI is already being applied to solve some of Africa’s unique challenges, from enhancing retail supply chains to improving healthcare delivery. Panelists will also delve into the barriers preventing broader adoption and the ethical considerations of building AI systems for low-resource settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in Africa, the opportunities that exist, and the strategies required to bridge the gap between potential and impact

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This panel delves into the powerful impact of the African diaspora in driving the expansion of African ventures. Featuring a diverse group of speakers—diaspora returnees launching businesses in Africa, to entrepreneurs scaling operations across the continent and beyond, and strategists raising international capital—this discussion will explore the unique challenges and strategies of diaspora-driven entrepreneurship. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging global networks, navigating cultural dynamics, and employing innovative funding models to effectively scale businesses and create a supportive ecosystem for pan-African and global growth

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By 2050, Africa will be home to 25% of the world’s population with more than $16 trillion in combined business and consumer spending. This profound demographic shift and economic growth are driving transformative change across African markets, offering unprecedented opportunities for investment. With strategic leadership by business and policymakers alike, these opportunities can be seized to fuel industrialization, create jobs, foster technological innovation, advance green economies, reduce poverty, and raise the standard of living across the continent.

“Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity” identifies the trends, opportunities, challenges, and strategies for success in Africa’s emerging industries including health care and pharmaceuticals; mining; insurance; investment; private equity and venture capital; international and intraregional trade (automotive, agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, transportation and logistics); capital markets; and entertainment. The book offers unparalleled insights to scholars, investors and policymakers alike a holistic perspective on how these industries may evolve and actionable strategies on how to maximize the impact of trade and investment on industrialization to unlock Africa’s long-term prosperity.

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Across the African continent, historical and cultural sites are being transformed into engines of economic resilience. This panel will explore how heritage trails, conservation efforts, and agritourism initiatives are not only preserving Africa’s rich history but also driving sustainable development and community empowerment. By reclaiming historical narratives and showcasing pre-colonial innovations, African nations are attracting global visitors while fostering local entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
Join us for a dynamic conversation, in collaboration with the Uganda Embassy, Theodore Roosevelt East Africa Sustainable Development Initiative (TREASDI), and the Business of Doing Good Summit Series Consortium, as we highlight innovative approaches to leveraging Africa’s heritage for economic growth and exchange ideas on expanding these efforts across the continent.

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This session will examine how the growth in wealth and the expanding middle class across Africa can fuel a new model of philanthropy. Isaac will discuss a recently published, groundbreaking report that draws insights from key stakeholders and real-world examples to highlight the primary drivers behind HNWI philanthropy in Africa and the future direction of giving on the continent. A key feature of the report is how governments can catalyze strategic philanthropy through effective tax incentives. Together, we will explore how philanthropy on the continent can be maximized and how it should be structured, measured, and deployed for maximum impact

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Despite growing recognition, African creatives often face cultural and systemic challenges in achieving global prominence. This panel will explore how African innovators are leveraging the digital space to break free from traditional norms, overcome obstacles, and carve out new opportunities. It will highlight key learnings from their journeys and examine how a fresh narrative of African creativity can inspire global audiences while maintaining authenticity. How can these trailblazers collaborate across borders to build a thriving, interconnected creative ecosystem that redefines Africa’s place in the global cultural landscape?

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Building a fintech company that reshapes how money moves across Africa—and beyond—is no easy feat. The challenges go far beyond the headlines. Few succeed in this market. To scale, you need more than a great idea—you need resilience, sacrifice, and relentless determination.

How do you convince Silicon Valley investors to back an African startup? What does it take to challenge the status quo in the global financial system? And what are the real, behind-the-scenes battles of building something that truly lasts?

Benjamin Fernandes, Founder & CEO of NALA, has lived it all—and he’s here to tell the unfiltered truth.

Born and raised in Tanzania, Benjamin first made his mark as a national television personality. But he had bigger ambitions. Earning scholarships that took him to the U.S., he became the youngest African ever admitted to the MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Yet instead of climbing the corporate ladder or staying in Silicon Valley, he took the harder road—building a company that would transform how Africans send and receive money across borders.

That company is NALA. What started as a simple remittance app has grown into one of Africa’s most ambitious fintech ventures. Today, NALA powers seamless, low-cost payments from the U.S. and Europe into Africa, cutting through the inefficiencies of the global financial system. Now, with a $40 million oversubscribed Series A funding round, and a Forbes cover story to match, NALA is expanding beyond remittances—building its own payment rails, launching a B2B platform (Rafiki), and setting its sights on global markets, including Asia and Latin America.

In this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Benjamin will pull back the curtain on the real journey—the wins, the losses, the breakthroughs, and the breakdowns. No filters. No fluff. Just the raw truth of what it takes to build and scale a fintech company in Africa.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or believer in bold ideas and Africa’s unstoppable rise, you won’t want to miss this.

Come for the insights. Stay for the inspiration.

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[Students only] Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Patrick Njoroge, former Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya. This is a unique opportunity for students to engage in an open and informal conversation, gaining insights into Dr. Njoroge’s career and his advice for African students preparing to start their careers. Bring your questions and be part of a dynamic discussion!

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When drought hit Ethiopia in 1983, millions of people were impacted by famine and one million people starved to death. Kenyan photojournalist Mohamed Amin and his BBC colleagues Michael Buerk and Mike Wooldridge documented the historic events surrounding the famine. These images inspired musicians to stand together and led to the recording of the worldly famous song "We Are The World". Documentary screening followed by a Q&A with Salim Amin, film director and son of late Mohamed Amin.

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Join the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) for an insightful session on how innovative financing solutions are transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape. This session will explore AFC’s approach to de-risking investments, fostering sustainable industrialization & resource monetization, and driving climate resilience. Learn how AFC is bridging the continent’s $100 billion annual infrastructure gap through strategic partnerships, project development and extensive cutting-edge financial instruments. Plus, discover AFC’s exciting career opportunities, competitive benefits, and impact-driven work culture.

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Thematic Networking Lunches offer a dynamic space for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships over a shared meal. Each gathering is centered around a specific theme, sparking insightful discussions and fostering collaboration among like-minded individuals. Whether you're looking to gain fresh perspectives, explore new opportunities, or simply expand your network in a relaxed yet purposeful setting, these lunches provide the perfect opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President, led the country’s digital and economic transformation. In this fireside chat, he will reflect on Ghana’s progress and its lessons for Africa, touching on digitalization, job creation, regional integration, and governance. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.

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This panel examines the impact of foreign financing on Africa's development, focusing on whether these cross-border investments are essential drivers of economic growth or if they risk fostering dependency and undermining sovereignty. Discussions will explore how foreign financing has shaped African economies over the past decade and what expectations lie ahead for the future. Key questions include: Are the structures of current financing agreements sustainable and beneficial for African nations? Do countries have the capacity to refinance debts? Most importantly, what does this mean for future generations, particularly in balancing opportunities for growth with the burden of long-term debt?

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This panel examines how African nations are transforming historical sites into drivers of economic growth. Heritage trails across the continent are showcasing pre-colonial innovations, cultural richness, and environmental stewardship while empowering local communities. From conservation initiatives to agritourism, these efforts attract global visitors and strengthen economic resilience. Our conversation will showcase how Africa is reclaiming historical narratives and discuss key insights on expanding heritage-driven activities across the continent.

This panel is co-sponsored by the Business of Doing Good Summit Series Consortium: Global Economic Development, honoring leaders and organizations championing transformative progress

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Africa’s fintech ecosystem reflects a diverse range of growth and maturity across its regions, highlighting the need for a cohesive approach to building a robust, interconnected financial system. Achieving this requires a focus on sustainability, innovation, and strategic partnerships. This panel will examine key elements such as cross-border payment systems, essential infrastructure, and the application of successful models to foster growth across regions. The discussion will also address the role of collaboration among ecosystem players in advancing financial inclusion and driving sustainable economic development across the continent

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Africa faces significant challenges in education access, delivery, and quality, spanning from elementary to tertiary levels. These issues undermine the continent's ability to prepare its youth for a rapidly changing labor market and emerging industries. 98 million children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school.. On the delivery side, ~17 million additional teachers are needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030. The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands skills such as coding, AI, and digital literacy, which are often absent from traditional curricula. Local economies, unable to meet these demands, rely heavily on foreign talent for high-skilled jobs—highlighting deficiencies in the domestic education system and the urgent need for innovative approaches to address these gaps. This panel discussion seeks to explore how regional partnerships and innovative education models, particularly in STEM, can tackle these challenges, equip African youth with future-ready skills, and drive sustainable economic growth on the continent

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The African genome, one of the most genetically diverse yet understudied, holds immense potential to transform global healthcare. As the cradle of human life, Africa’s genetic diversity is key to understanding the foundations of humanity. Unlocking its secrets could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatments, drug development, and personalized medicine. However, realizing this potential will require significant financial investment, capacity building, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure Africa benefits from these advancements while preventing exploitation.

This panel seeks to answer the following questions: How can understanding the African genome save lives globally? How can Africa become a biotech leader in the genomic era? And crucially, what innovative funding models can be developed to support genomic research in Africa while ensuring equitable returns for African communities?

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Africa’s influence in sports and gaming is on the rise, with exceptional talent reshaping global leagues and innovative gaming startups gaining international attention. This panel will explore scaling Africa’s gaming ecosystem, advancing sports infrastructure, attracting international investment, and the role of technology in connecting African gamers and athletes with global audiences. The discussion will also cover what it will take to foster talent development and empower youth to reach global prominence and position Africa as a global leader in sports and gaming.

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Africa’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on raw commodity exports, with value addition accounting for just 10-15% of total exports. This limits the continent’s ability to fully benefit from global and regional markets for processed goods. Despite decades of efforts to improve subsistence farming, food systems and livelihoods have seen little transformation.

This panel will explore how demand-driven value addition, branding, and storytelling—supported by the right investments and ecosystem partnerships—can drive sector growth, enhance food security, and unlock economic potential. Panelists from across the value chain will discuss key gaps, opportunities, and actionable pathways to create and capture value in Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

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Is Africa moving toward greater unity or deeper division? This closing session will assess geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and regional progress, from the Sahel crisis and DRC-Rwanda conflict to the growth of AfCFTA and digital transformation. A panel of experts will tackle tough questions: Are regional organizations adapting? What role should business, government, and civil society play? And is Beyond Borders a vision to pursue — or a concept to rethink?

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