Global leaders from various sectors such as business, government, finance, sports, and the creative arts gathered in New York today for the third annual “Unstoppable Africa” event. Hosted by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (https://GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org/), this summit aims to position Africa as the primary destination for business, trade, and investment.
Themed “Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063,” the summit focuses on promoting inclusive participation, meaningful dialogue, and practical solutions. Coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, the two-day event is co-hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and African Union Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. Organized by the UN Global Compact, GABI serves as a crucial platform for global leaders—including Heads of State, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and industry experts—to collaborate and advance Africa’s business landscape.
On the opening day, distinguished guests like H.E. Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Julie Monaco, Global Head of Public Sector Banking at Citi; Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike; Mr. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder and CEO of Dangote Group; Chido Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth to AU Chairperson; and Mr. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) were present. Their presence highlighted Africa’s pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable global future.
In a video message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of forging partnerships to drive progress in Africa and globally. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to promote development in areas such as renewable energy, food systems, education, and digital transformation for an unstoppable Africa. H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored Africa’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of its people, emphasizing a story of determination, progress, and hope.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted Africa’s emerging economic leadership, especially with the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, enhancing Africa’s voice in global governance.
Insightful Sessions and Discussions
The opening session featured a panel discussion on “The ‘Africa Youth Fix’ for a World in Crisis,” exploring the potential of Africa’s youth to shape the continent’s and the world’s future. Various sessions addressed topics like boosting trade, innovation in the electric vehicle market, leveraging artificial intelligence for Africa’s development, and empowering women and girls through sports initiatives.
As the summit progresses into its second day, stakeholders will focus on actionable strategies to accelerate Africa’s growth agenda. The solutions roundtable aims to address pressing challenges such as trade agreements, energy initiatives, and climate change impacts.
GABI is committed to recognizing and maximizing Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the global future. Day 2 promises more groundbreaking announcements and partnerships to solidify Africa’s position as an unstoppable force in the global economy. View photos from Day 1 of the Unstoppable Africa event here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZHH3HR) and the event b-roll here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDCu1m).
For more information on Day 2, visit the website (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDOQGF).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.
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