Africa’s role in driving the next wave of global economic growth was in focus Sunday as heads of state, CEOs, and policymakers gathered for the Global Africa Business Initiative’s “Unstoppable Africa 2025” forum in New York’s Times Square.
Hosted by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the event highlighted Africa’s potential across energy, trade, health care, education, and the creative industries.
The event was held ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for Sept. 23–29, 2025, in New York.
Guterres called Africa “the center of opportunity,” citing its young population, vast energy resources, and innovation in fields from fintech to artificial intelligence.
He urged global leaders to help transform that potential into sustainable prosperity aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fourteen CEOs and multilateral leaders, representing companies in 16 African nations with combined revenue of $22 billion, pressed governments to improve the business climate.
They emphasized the importance of policies that support industrial growth, regional trade, and long-term investment.
Highlights included discussions on Africa’s role in global supply chains for critical minerals, the expansion of clean energy, and major infrastructure projects such as Angola’s Lobito Corridor.
World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted Africa’s potential to attract investment as companies seek to diversify supply chains.
Speakers also stressed the importance of local leadership in financing Africa’s green industrial future.
Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, noted African institutional investors manage $2 trillion in assets but dedicate less than 3% to infrastructure.
The forum reaffirmed GABI’s mission, launched in 2022, to shift the narrative from doing business “in Africa” to doing business “with Africa,” building partnerships that unlock the continent’s vast economic promise.
NEW YORK, Bantu Gazette
