General Lunch

Over the last decade, widespread debate has occurred over the opportunities and risks of Africa's fast-growing youth population and the implications which this will have on Africa's workforce. How do we unlock Africa's massive workforce talent both for the continent and on the global scale for decades to come? Are there other geographies which African leaders should be drawing inspiration from as they position their nations for a new era in an increasingly globalized workforce? As working populations become older in many Western nations and African nations experience a rise in youth talent, what implications does this have for the dynamic of global talent and migration? Finally, which sectors should Africa be prioritizing its talent development efforts in to ensure a well-balanced skills distribution?

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Africa’s economy downshifted over the last decade, yet half of its people live in countries that have thrived on the continent. Africa has the human capital and natural resources to accelerate productivity and reimagine its economic growth, which is, more than ever, vital for the welfare of the world. The fireside chat will feature a presentation of key insights from McKinsey Global’ s 2023 Reimagining Economic Growth in Africa report.

With over 50 distinct countries, the African continent presents a kaleidoscope of regulatory environments, political climates, and macroeconomic challenges. From abrupt policy changes to unstable governance – epitomized by the recent wave of coups across West and Central Africa – doing business in Africa requires companies and investors to adapt to shifting sands. This panel delves into the tangible, hands-on approaches to managing political risks in the African context. How do stakeholders assess and prepare for potential political risks in Africa? How can businesses leverage grassroots community relations as a buffer against high-level political volatility? How are insurance models adapting to offer genuine, affordable, and durable protection to businesses and investors? How can dialogue between the public and private sectors remain robust amidst shifting political landscapes?

In a continent that is as rich in opportunities as it is in complexities, managing political risks becomes paramount for business success. This conversation will provide insights on this key topic to discuss the tools and tactics that will pave the way for successful business endeavors, and projects developed on the continent.

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