THE AFRICA CEO FORUM Annual Summit

As the world faces a proliferation of crises, it is crucial for the African continent to focus more on building autonomous, resilient, and prosperous economies. In this regard, the AFRICA CEO FORUM is committed to creating favorable conditions for the emergence of a new generation of African champions capable of making their mark on the global economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises, intermediate-sized companies, and large African corporations are the primary providers of jobs and essential economic drivers for public authorities. They will also be the future standard-bearers of African sovereignty.

Under the theme "Succeeding Amid Crises - From 300 to 3000: Accelerating the Emergence of the Next Generation of African Champions," the AFRICA CEO FORUM invites participants to reflect on the implementation of public policies conducive to the emergence of African companies with revenues exceeding one billion dollars. Currently, there are only 300 such companies on the continent, which is an insufficient number. The forum brings together over 2,000 participants, including decision-makers from leading African companies, international investors, multinational executives, heads of state, ministers, and representatives from financial institutions. The goal is to contribute to the implementation and intensification of public-private dialogue to shape the continent's autonomy.

Through panels, thematic working groups, case studies, testimonials, and public-private workshops, the leaders present at the forum will address key issues related to the emergence of a sovereign and competitive Africa. They will propose innovative solutions to help the continent turn crises into opportunities. Special emphasis will also be placed on women leaders, family businesses, and startups.

"Our wish is for this 9th edition of the Forum to be an occasion for demanding public-private dialogue, after which we all leave convinced that we can build a united front, involving the private sector, government, and institutions, so that enterprises become the spearhead in the quest for our economic sovereignty," said Amir BEN YAHMED, President of the AFRICA CEO FORUM.

"It is in times of crisis that we must show audacity and confront challenges with determination and innovation. It is during these periods that ideas germinate, transforming our continent. Opportunities arise from difficulties. Africa has the capacity and will to emerge stronger from the wave of global economic challenges. To achieve this, the private and public sectors of the continent must cooperate and collaborate. IFC will continue to support Africa and help the continent leverage its strengths to combat climate change, strengthen food security, and foster sustainable and inclusive growth," said Makhtar Diop, CEO of IFC.

"Africa is increasingly home to enlightened leaders. Our states are reforming, taking action, and moving forward. They need investors who are willing to act and progress alongside them. We must use every means possible to help our future champions integrate into global value chains by implementing innovative mechanisms that facilitate their access to knowledge, finance, and markets," said Patrick Achi, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.

Over the course of two days, numerous influential personalities in Africa will lead debates and discussions. Among them are Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire; Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of Morocco; Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Prime Minister of the Republic of Gabon; Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Republic of Cameroon; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Executive Chairman of BUA Group; Delphine Traoré, CEO of Allianz Africa; Portia Derby, CEO of Transnet; Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Massmart Holdings; Samaila Zubairu, CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of the Axian Group; Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East; Hardy Pemhiwa, CEO of Cassava Technologies; Richard Bielle, CEO of CFAO; Jacques Vermeulen, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, as well as many other decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.

The 2023 edition of the AFRICA CEO FORUM also marked the beginning of the event's progressive transformation into a full-fledged organization, aiming to maximize its impact in service of a sovereign Africa. The AFRICA CEO FORUM will become a club designed to mobilize its members to strengthen its mission and impact on three fronts: the influence of the African private sector on major international economic issues, the quality of public-private dialogue in specific sectors to promote growth-enabling regulations, and the encouragement of strong social, societal, and environmental commitments by businesses.