THE curtain has fallen on Unstoppable Africa 2023, a transformative two-day event organised by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), held alongside the UN General Assembly. This influential gathering has left an indelible mark on the African continent, striving to elevate Africa’s global economic stature and position it as the premier hub for business, trade, and investment.
During the event’s second day, Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, emphasised the significance of portraying African narratives authentically. She underscored that Africa’s rich heritage has traditionally found expression through its unique storytelling methods. Wanga asserted, ‘When discussing Africa, engaging in genuine dialogue is crucial. Our distinct storytelling approach, rooted in our heritage, is in high demand worldwide. As the overseer of Essence Ventures and other platforms, I am committed to ensuring that our stories are told from a place of strength and authenticity.’
The final day of Unstoppable Africa 2023 featured a chorus of influential voices from the private sector, including Jeff Wong, EY Global Chief Innovation Officer; Niraj Varia, CEO of iProcure Ventures; Lakeshia Ford, Founder of Ford Communications; Claudia Kwarteng–Lumor, Founder of Kollage Media, producers of GLITZ AFRICA Magazine; and Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). These luminaries were complemented by esteemed figures from government and international organisations, such as Botswana President Masisi, Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy for Nigeria; Joy Basu, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.
Notable figures from the world of sports, including NBA stars Bismack Biyombo and Gorgui Dieng, as well as Senegalese singer Baaba Maal, also addressed the audience.
Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the United Nations Global Compact and the coordinator of GABI, stressed the critical importance of unlocking Africa’s green potential. Ojiambo emphasised the urgent need for businesses to accelerate and amplify their efforts toward achieving ‘just, inclusive, and sustainable growth.’
Assistant Secretary-General Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, extended an invitation to businesses to join the ITC SheTrades network. This flagship programme for women’s economic empowerment has already made a substantial impact, providing vital support to over 200,000 women entrepreneurs since its inception in 2015. The ITC SheTrades initiative plays a pivotal role in harnessing the vast opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
With over a thousand attendees, Unstoppable Africa 2023 continues to gain momentum across the continent, setting the stage for a future defined by opportunities and sustainable development. The event’s vibrant exchange of ideas, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable connections forged underscore its status as a premier gathering for those invested in Africa’s growth and economic future.
UNDP’s Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, introduced the Timbuktoo initiative, a bold movement dedicated to harnessing Africa’s rich heritage of innovation and knowledge. Eziakonwa articulated, ‘Inspired by the historical heartland of civilisation, “Timbuktu” represents our commitment to bridging the gap between Africa’s burgeoning talent and the global opportunities that await. We envision breaking down barriers that have historically limited Africa’s vast potential, creating a future where the continent’s talent seamlessly connects with global prosperity.’
The event concluded with inspiring remarks from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who emphasised the importance of collective action in realising Africa’s potential and achieving sustainable development. She called for unity and support from the global community and the private sector, closing with the assertion that this marks just the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s story—one characterised by sustainable economic growth, empowerment, and the realisation of the continent’s full potential.