Thematic Networking Lunches

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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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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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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