More than 1,800 business and government leaders across Africa are to discuss two major challenges confronting the continent in its drive to regain economic sovereignty at the 2023 CEO Forum.
This year’s theme, “Navigating the crises – From 300 to 3000: How to deliver the next generation of African champions,” will reflect on commitment to promote and shape public policies for a new and emerging generation of African companies with billion-dollar turnover.
According to the organisers, the growth in number and size of African champions is crucial to minimising impact of foreign crises on the continent’s markets.
They observed that the forum, which holds in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire, would focus on return of the state as a strategic actor in identifying and nurturing the continent’s major growth priorities to capture a greater share of global value chains, empowerment and scaling of African companies as primary means of strengthening continental economies.
President of Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed, said: “The ongoing state of crisis we are facing emphasises the need for an economic climate that is conducive to emergence of a new generation of African champions. These champions are symbols of resilience and innovation in key sectors, from agri-food, energy to artificial intelligence. From 300 champions today, we believe that this number should be increased to 3,000 to truly transform the
continent. Giving voice to a proud and sovereign Africa on the international scene, through creation of public-private synergies, is once again at the heart of our mission.”
Also speaking, Managing Director of International Finance Corporation (IFC), Makhtar Diop, noted: “Africa has the capacity and commitment to emerge stronger from the spate of global economic challenges. Achieving this will require cooperation and collaboration between Africa’s private and public sectors. IFC will continue to champion Africa and help leverage the continent’s strengths to fight climate change, boost food security and drive sustainable and inclusive growth.”
