Unleashing AI's Potential in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

In 2022, public debt in Africa reached USD 1.8 trillion. While this is a fraction of the overall outstanding debt of developing countries, Africa’s sovereign debt has increased by 183% since 2010, a rate roughly four times higher than its growth rate of GDP in dollar terms. Today, 60% of African countries spend more on repaying their debts than on healthcare, a trend that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war on Ukraine and the overall economic slowdown in the past few years. While international organizations have stepped in to support (for example, the G20 assisted 31 out of 36 eligible African countries with its Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)), the question remains: Why has Africa not been able to break out of this debt trap? And what role does the public and private sector play in moving past this dynamic?

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African nations are on the precipice of momentous changes in the healthcare landscape. Challenges in infectious disease still ravage major segments of the continent while chronic illnesses are emerging as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The push for changes, however, has often led to the adoption of partial solutions while the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that the most difficult problems remain unresolved. In this session, we are convening an elite group of professionals, ranging from drug manufacturers, regulators, entrepreneurs, and astute investors to discuss the critical issue of pharmaceutical production on the continent. This session is meticulously designed for decision-makers and innovators seeking to capture tremendous opportunity and make a tangible impact in the healthcare sector. 

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The inaugural showcase will spotlight artisanal talent from across the continent via art, fashion, and cultural artifacts. Join us to engage with our phenomenal partner brands and celebrate the rich tapestry of African creativity.

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