These are certainly challenging times. And in these challenging times, in Africa, the private sector is doing interesting things.
The nine stories in this second edition of IFC Insights Africa, published for the 2023 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, showcase the innovative ways African businesses—both large and small—are addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and improving lives and creating jobs while doing it.
We share stories about a mobile money boom in Madagascar; Africa’s growing capacity for vaccine production; the rise of start-ups in the Sahel; and Kenyan Mary Thuo, a successful small business owner who is determined to support other women entrepreneurs.
These stories highlight not only the strong progress being made across multiple sectors and countries, but also the ripe opportunities in Africa that are open to investors and others alike.
At difficult times like these, when the shockwaves of multiple crises are shaking economies worldwide, the private sector is proving its resilience and resourcefulness, delivering the goods and services we all rely on.
In Africa, a dynamic private sector is helping provide infrastructure, health services, digital solutions, and foodstuffs.
With the right support, Africa’s champions can do even more.
Sérgio Pimenta
IFC Vice President for Africa
Africa CEO Forum
ABIDJAN | June 5-6, 2023
The Africa CEO Forum (ACF) is an annual international conference dedicated to the private sector in Africa. Co-hosted by IFC and Jeune Afrique, the conference will attract about 1,800 participants including the continent’s top CEOs, international investors, experts, policy makers, and media.
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The Birth of a Start-Up Support System
The Sahel, breeding ground for a wealth of start-ups, is seeing a flood of incubators and accelerators ready to support innovative businesses.
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Madagascar’s Mobile Money Boom
Mobile money is revolutionizing financial services in Africa and increasing financial inclusion for one of the world’s poorest countries.
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Digital Learning Delivers Results for Women
Women from emerging markets share how online learning is helping build new skills and open up opportunities for growth.
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Adapting to Natural Disasters in Africa: What's in it for the Private Sector?
An IFC study outlines the potential for private investment in adaptation to floods and drought in Africa.
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Climate Change in Africa
Across the continent, the private sector is rising to the pressing challenges posed by the global climate crisis.
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Lagos is Laying the Foundation for a Greener Future
New initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nigeria's megacity.
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Africa’s Vaccine Manufacturing: Where the Rubber Hits the Road
Dr. Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac in South Africa, talks about the industry’s growth, access to funding, and sustainability.
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Infrastructure in Africa
An IFC study finds that institutional reform on the continent can attract more private investment in infrastructure
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Elevating Women Small Business Owners in Kenya
Mary Thuo, founder and CEO of CityScape Trends Services Limited, talks about her entrepreneurial journey.
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