Keynotes
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Friday
|
3:15 pm
Klarman Auditorium

The Relationship Between developed nations and Africa – the past, the present and the future?

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.

The Relationship Between developed nations and Africa – the past, the present and the future?

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.

America/New_York
Feb 14, 2025 3:15 PM
Klarman Auditorium

Other Sessions

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Breakout 1
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 111
Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Owning and Growing Businesses in Africa
This fireside chat explores Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) as a path to business ownership in Africa.
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Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Owning and Growing Businesses in Africa

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.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 111
More Info
Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 109
Financial Systems | Building Robust Pan-African Financial Systems
This panel explores fintech’s growth, cross-border systems, and collaboration to drive financial inclusion and sustainability in Africa.
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Financial Systems | Building Robust Pan-African Financial Systems

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

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 109
More Info
Breakout 1
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 112
Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within
African fashion thrives locally but struggles globally. This panel explores a resilient, uniquely African ecosystem beyond Western norms
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Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

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.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 112