Africa CEO Forum’s Post

Happy New Year 2025 As we welcome 2025, I reflect on the resilience and lessons drawn from the challenges of the past year, particularly in the Greater Horn of Africa. This region, with its rich diversity and complex dynamics, teaches us that even in adversity, there is always room for hope and renewal. We must recognize that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, understanding, and collective purpose. Let 2025 be the year we prioritize meaningful dialogue, embrace innovative solutions, and work together to heal divides that seem insurmountable. This New Year reminds us that transformation starts with courage. Courage to question entrenched systems, to advocate for equity, and to champion the voices of the marginalized. Together, let us commit to being part of the solutions that foster sustainable peace and prosperity for all. Wishing you all a year of clarity, compassion, and courageous action. #HappyNewYear2025 #GreaterHornOfAfrica #Resilience #HopeAndRenewal #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #SustainablePeace #CollectivePurpose #InnovativeSolutions #TransformationalLeadership #EquityAndJustice #CourageToChange #ClarityAndCompassion #ProsperityForAll #NewYearGoals

It’s finally time to reflect on my incredible experience at the UN General Assembly last week after a whirlwind 10 days of hosting and moderating events, networking with global leaders, and deep discussions on some of the world’s most pressing challenges. **Lessons Learned:** 1. **Preparation is key** – Whether you’re hosting, moderating, or simply attending, being well-informed about the key topics and discussions gives you a stronger voice in the room. 2. Adaptability is essential – Schedules change, conversations shift, and you have to be ready to pivot without losing focus. 3. Global problems need local solutions– Many of the discussions centered around creating solutions that work in local contexts, and that was especially true when talking about Africa’s role in global development. Tips & Tricks to Survive UNGA Week 1. Rest when you can – It’s tempting to attend every event, but taking time to rest ensures you’re sharp when it counts. I was double and triple booked for events most days but had to laser focus and think about what made the most sense for me. 2. Build meaningful connections – Instead of rushing to meet everyone, focus on deeper conversations that could lead to partnerships and long-term collaborations. 3. Stay organised With so many sessions, side events, and meetings, staying organised is the only way to make the most of the week. I had my assistant create a *must attend* itinerary and it was super helpful. It was especially powerful to see Africa so firmly on the agenda. From sustainable development to addressing climate change and economic resilience, African leaders and advocates were at the forefront, ensuring that our continent’s voice was heard loud and clear. More reflections (AND fashion) to come, but grateful for the chance to witness and contribute to these vital conversations. #UNGA #AfricaAgenda #GlobalLeadership #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #PartnershipsForImpact

Looking Ahead to 2025! As we step into a new year, let us reflect on the immense potential of the African continent—a land rich in opportunity, innovation, and resilience. Africa is not just the future of the world; it is shaping that future today, driven by its people’s determination and its unparalleled resources. In these unpredictable times, it is essential to remain forward-looking, to place faith in humanity’s capacity to adapt and thrive, and to support the enterprises and talents emerging from Africa. Progress comes from trust, but trust must be built on a foundation of continuous due diligence and meaningful partnerships. By investing in Africa and committing to its growth, we do not just contribute to its success; we become part of a shared journey toward a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world. Here’s to a year of collaboration, confidence, and shared progress. Happy 2025!

Leaving a Heritage of Innovation for Future Generations. On South Africa's Heritage Day, we celebrate not only our rich cultural heritage but also the legacy we’re building for the future—one of creativity, innovation, and progress. Heritage is more than just what we inherit—it’s what we create and pass on to future generations. At Otinga, we believe in building a heritage of innovation. Through our hackathons, we empower individuals and teams to push the boundaries of possibility, crafting solutions that will shape industries and impact the world for generations to come. This Heritage Day, let’s commit to nurturing innovation in our workplaces, our communities, and our lives. The future we leave behind will be defined by the new ideas and breakthroughs we champion today. How are you leaving a legacy of innovation? Let’s share our efforts to build a brighter, more innovative future in the comments! #HeritageDay #InnovationLegacy #FutureGenerations #HackathonsForChange #SouthAfricaInnovation

✨ 2025: Redefining Africa’s Narrative ✨🌍 Happy New Year from The AfrySphere! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to embark on a journey of transformation and growth for Africa. Our mission is clearthis year: to connect Africa’s untapped potential with the global stage, amplify African voices, and celebrate our rich heritage. Together, let’s build bridges, inspire innovation, and drive opportunities that empower growth across the continent. We invite you to join us on this journey. Follow, engage, and let’s redefine the African narrative—one story, one connection, one step at a time. 💬 What are your hopes and goals for Africa in 2025? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! #TheAfrySphere #RedefiningAfrica #AfricanInnovation #AmplifyAfrica #CelebrateAfrica #2025Goals #Transformation #AfricanGrowth #HeritageAndInnovation #NewYearNewAfrica

Tomorrow: The Africa for Africa Pre-Summit! As Emerging Leaders Foundation moves closer to the Inaugural #Africa4AfricaSummit, I am so excited to share that the Pre-Summit event is just one day away! This event is dedicated to a crucial mission: 'Empowering #YoungAfricans to lead the Charge in Transforming #PublicService and #Governance across the continent. We’ll be diving into bold conversations led by young professionals committed to positive change from #Kenya, #Liberia, #SierraLeone, #Ghana, #Malawi and #SouthAfrica, among other nationals. Why are sessions like these essential? Africa needs a youth-led, innovative approach to public service. The youth’s perspectives, solutions, and drive are key to tackling challenges with fresh, innovative approaches. We’ve seen the need for transparent, accountable systems that serve all Africans. Young leaders bring forward the energy and integrity needed to champion ethical governance. Lastly, technology is a game-changer for efficiency and inclusivity in public service, and it’s young leaders who are pushing for a digital revolution that will make services better, faster, and more accessible. If you’re a young professional, public servant, or simply passionate about Africa’s future, this summit is for you! Join us tomorrow as we strategize, collaborate, and take meaningful steps toward a stronger, youth-empowered Africa. (See the Registration link in the Comment section) #AfricaForAfricaSummit

Accelerating Africa's Growth: Key Industry Takeaways As we approach the Africa Must Think Conference, I've been reflecting on the critical lessons from various industries that will be crucial to our discussions. These include: Embracing innovation and disruption to drive growth. Prioritizing sustainability for long-term prosperity. Fostering collaboration and partnerships to drive collective impact. Staying adaptable in a rapidly changing market landscape. Championing inclusion and diversity to tap into Africa's full potential. Let's leverage these insights to shape a brighter future for the continent! Who's with me? Share your thoughts and let's continue the conversation at the Africa Must Think Conference. #AfricaMustThink2024

🌟 Champions of Change - The Spotlight Series! 🌟   I first met Merima Mahmutovic through the fantastic European Women Payments Network (EWPN), where we co-led the organisation of the EWPN annual event in Vienna last year, attended by over 300 women and allies - What an incredible experience it was! Merima's passion for finance and diversity and inclusion is truly inspiring. She dreams big and makes those dreams a reality, driving change not only in the industry but also in her home country, Bosnia & Herzegovina.   This year, Merima led a SEE regional event that brought together key players and influencers to discuss important topics and champion change. Her dedication to making a difference is a testament to the power of dreaming big and taking action.   🌐 What is the message here? In the words of Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Too often, we limit ourselves with beliefs about what we can achieve. But I say; "shoot for the moon, even if you miss it, you'll land among the stars". Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.   ⭐ Call to Action: What dream are you going to start putting into action this week?   👉 Note: if you are interested in being involved in this year's EWPN annual event, we are holding this in hubs across Europe and there are speaking and sponsorship opportunities available - please contact events@ewpn.eu   Join the revolution... #ChampionOfChange #Inspiration #DiversityAndInclusion #Finance #Leadership #DreamBig   (Quote: Norman Vincent Peale)

🥁 🔥 The #2024OLDN International OD Conference & Doctoral Consortium is here. 🎨 Experience it.Live it. Embrace the SHIFT and be Part of this Great Community and individuals who are in this journey of Transformation. 🇧🇼 🌍 This year August 29-30, this International Conference is bringing the whole world to Botswana 🇧🇼. 🧩 This is a great time to connect with Amazing Industry Leaders. Learn from their Expertise and their Lived experiences and their Stories of Transformation and Leading Change. ♻️ Our focus for this year is on , " Whole System Thinking , Mindset and Heartset Transformation - Insights and Interventions for Sustainable Development." 🇧🇼📝 This Theme, speaks volume to the mission that the Botswana 🇧🇼 Government is already embarking on, through their Nationwide Mindset Reset Agenda. 🖥️ 💡These are efforts to drive Botswana and the Continent forward towards attaining the Knowledge-based Economy and Middle Income Economies Vision. ♻️🌱 Achieving all these, requires us to play a role. Each one of us has a role in helping Africa realize her Vision - " The Africa We Want." 🌱 Be part of the conversations shaping the future of sustainable development and whole system transformation. ☎️📞 For partnerships and corporate table bookings, contact: info@centreold.com or Register here for the Conference: https://lnkd.in/dscZaXR9 #oldn2024 #WholeSystem #Botswana #Gaborone #organizationdevelopment #mindset #transformation #africa #sustainabledevelopment #Humancapitaldevelopment #Sustainability #SystemThinking #WholeSystemThinking

Every successful year begins with a vision, a purpose that guides every step forward. For 2025, make your mission clear, intentional, and deeply impactful: To serve as a bridge between each professional fields by  inspiring transformation. In a world that is constantly evolving, the power of storytelling remains timeless. Through KP Magazine and personal projects, I am committed to elevating voices that often go unheard, exploring cultural nuances, and showcasing the beauty, challenges, and triumphs within the diaspora communities. This year, we are  going  deeper into narratives that foster global connections, celebrate diversity, and promote tourism as a tool for economic and cultural empowerment. The mission is not just about stories; it’s about actionable impact. Whether it’s highlighting the untapped potential of Nigerian tourism, showcasing entrepreneurial journeys of the diaspora, or advocating for inclusivity in media representation, 2025 is a year to lead, influence, and inspire. This really matters in a globalized world, the intersection of tourism, media, and diaspora advocacy is more relevant than ever. The stories we tell shape perceptions, create opportunities, and bridge gaps between cultures and communities. I see myself not just as a Diplomat, journalist, media and tourism practitioner, but as a connector a professional with the tools and platform to turn conversations into movements. The desire to leave a legacy of purpose, to amplify voices that inspire change, and to contribute meaningfully to my fields. Have a wonderful 2025 ahead.  #MissionDriven #PurposeInAction #DiasporaAdvocacy #MediaInfluence #TourismLeadership #StorytellingForImpact #linkedin