Jeune Afrique and IFC to co-Host Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Rwanda, Focus on Sustainable Private Sector Development

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Kigali, Rwanda April 16, 2024 – As global crises cast long shadows, Africa stands at a critical crossroads: Will the continent remain on the sidelines of history or will its leaders band together to forge a new path?

This pivotal question will drive the 2024 Africa CEO Forum, set for 16 and 17 May in Kigali, Rwanda. This year's theme, At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa, underscores the important juncture at which the continent finds itself amidst global economic shifts and challenges.

This year's 11^th edition of the landmark Africa CEO Forum marks more than a decade of unparalleled gatherings of Africa's most influential leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

The Forum will tackle four transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing. Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, participants will explore strategies to achieve the highest public policy standards conducive to growth; to ensure African business is at the forefront of disruptive innovation; to leverage Africa's collective weight through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and to creatively overcome obstacles to financing Africa's ambitions. Designed to spur actionable solutions, the summit will accelerate the rise of new African success stories.

Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, emphasises, "We call on our community of leaders shaping the future of Africa to recognise the structural and enduring consequences of the actions they take at this critical time. The forum will be a crucible for innovative strategies and partnerships, propelling the continent into the opportunities of tomorrow."

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC's Vice President for Africa, said, "Turning Africa's $3 trillion GDP into $30 trillion by 2050 will require an unbridled African private sector, enabled by the continent's policymakers to forge partnerships that create markets, increase intra-African trade and advance investment on the continent."

The Africa CEO Forum is the continent's premier gathering, uniting Africa's top executives, global investors, and government leaders annually. In partnership with IFC, this year's flagship event will host more than 2,000 public and private sector decision-makers, including over 900 CEOs.

Confirmed attendees include H.E. Wamkele Mene, General Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC; Sidi Ould Tah, Président of BADEA; Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Africa & Middle East; Karim Beguir, CEO of InstaDeep; Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, Arnaud Lagesse, Group CEO of IBL LTD; Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of Ruparelia Group; Clare Akamanzi; CEO of NBA Africa; Rostam Aziz, CEO of Taifa Gas; Selim Bora, Chairman of Summa International Construction Group; Mesfin Tassew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines and Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of the Board of Schneider Electric.

In addition, several Heads of State are expected to attend, further signifying the Forum's pivotal role in fostering high-level dialogue and partnerships. These leaders will join forces with attendees to contribute to a collective endeavour that promises to chart a new course for Africa's economic future.

About the Africa CEO Forum

Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for CEOs of the largest African and multinational companies, investors, heads of state, ministers, and representatives of the main financial institutions active on the continent. Undoubtedly the place of high-level meetings, experience-sharing and deciphering trends affecting the business world, the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit aims to propose concrete and innovative solutions to move the continent and its businesses forward. The Africa CEO Forum was created by Jeune Afrique Media Group and its Annual Summit is co-hosted by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. For more information, visit www.theafricaceoforum.com/forum-2024

About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

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