Keypoints:
- UN, AU back September business summit
- AfCFTA, youth and innovation drive growth
- Global leaders and investors gather in New York
AFRICA is stepping confidently into a new economic era as global trade arrangements fray and markets grow more volatile. That ambition will take centre stage at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s (GABI) flagship Unstoppable Africa 2025 conference, themed The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets, scheduled for September 21–22 in New York.
Speaking during an online media briefing, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, said the meeting comes at a decisive moment. ‘The markets will be defined by Africa’s trajectory,’ she said. ‘Africa is unstoppable. The continent is at the centre of so many opportunities. Global business and investors should look at Africa as a partner and come to do business with Africa, not in Africa.’
High-level hosts and agenda
Organised by the United Nations Global Compact and co-convened by the UN and African Union Commission, the summit will be hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.
The agenda targets investment in infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy and regional trade integration. With a youthful population, abundant natural resources and rapid innovation, Africa aims to become a key engine of global economic growth.
Central to this vision is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to raise intra-African trade by 45 per cent by 2045. AfCFTA is seen as the framework for reducing dependence on external markets and fostering a self-sustaining continental economy.
Key speakers and sectors
Confirmed participants include presidents Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Duma Boko of Botswana, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and João Lourenço of Angola. Business leaders such as Safaricom’s Peter Ndegwa, DP World’s Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Google’s James Manyika, Equity Group’s James Mwangi and Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa will share insights. Actor and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha will host the gala dinner.
Sponsors span a wide network, from platinum backers such as Afreximbank and Bidvest to gold partners including the African Development Bank Group and Africa Finance Corporation. Media partners range from African Business to News Central TV and Wall Street Africa.
Digital reach and participation
In the lead-up to the summit, GABI is inviting the public to join its ‘What Makes Africa Unstoppable’ campaign. Working with Electrify Video Partners Foundation, it has launched an Unstoppable Africa YouTube channel to stream the event globally.
‘Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest, most creative, and most entrepreneurial minds,’ said Ian Shepherd, Co-CEO of Electrify Video Partners. ‘We are excited to bring our expertise in YouTube to shine a light on those informative and inspirational stories.’
While in-person attendance is by invitation, registration is open for virtual participation. Details are available via the Global Africa Business Initiative.
