European Business Chamber of Rwanda’s Post

Here are the takeaways from one of the most important sessions at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali...

The Africa CEO Forum kicks off today in Kigali. Rwanda has been a remarkable success story, achieving a sustained growth rate of around 10 percent. Despite being landlocked and resource-poor, Rwanda's commitment to economic transformation has made it a model for other African nations. By implementing strategies like enhancing investment promotion and facilitation, improving the ease of doing business, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), focusing on sustainable and inclusive investments, strengthening infrastructure and digital transformation, building partnerships and collaborations, data-driven decision making, and capacity building, forums like the Africa CEO Forum can play a pivotal role in shaping a new future for Africa's investment environment, leading to tangible and lasting economic benefits for the continent. #AfricaCEOForum #Kigali2024 #Rwanda

AFRICA CEO Forum 2024 Kicked Off with Calls for Unity and Innovation The AFRICA CEO Forum 2024 opened in Kigali on May 16, bringing together over 2,000 influential business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across the continent and the globe. The forum, renowned as the premier gathering for Africa's private sector, is co-hosted by the IFC - International Finance Corporation and emphasizes the critical role of the private sector in driving Africa's development. Theme and Agenda This year's forum is themed "At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa," reflecting the urgency for Africa to assert its place on the global economic stage. The discussions will revolve around four transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing. These topics are essential for catalyzing Africa's growth and ensuring the continent's economies are competitive globally. Notable Attendees and Speakers The event has attracted a high-profile roster of attendees, including over 900 CEOs and top executives from diverse industries. Among them are Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC, and notable CEOs such as Mesfin Tassew of Ethiopian Airlines, Aliko Dangoté of Dangote Group and James Mworia of Centum Investment. Heads of State are also present, underscoring the forum's importance in shaping high-level policy and business strategies. Key Highlights from Day 1 President Paul Kagame of Rwanda set the tone with a powerful opening address, highlighting the importance of unity for productive international engagement. "The more united Africa is, the more productive our engagement with partners will become," Kagame stated, urging for stronger integration to enhance market growth and competitiveness. The forum also featured a series of panel discussions and workshops focusing on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade, fostering innovation through digital transformation, and overcoming financial obstacles to support ambitious growth plans. Expected Outcomes Participants aim to develop actionable strategies that will drive Africa's economic progress. The discussions are expected to yield new partnerships and innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. The forum's ultimate goal is to transform Africa's $3 trillion GDP into $30 trillion by 2050, a vision articulated by Sergio Pimenta of the IFC. The AFRICA CEO Forum continues to be a vital platform for shaping the future of African business, bringing together the continent's brightest minds to collaborate and build a prosperous future. As the forum progresses, further insights and developments are anticipated, promising a vibrant and forward-looking trajectory for Africa's economic landscape. (Video credit - Africa CEO Forum) https://lnkd.in/dYQu44Qg

Africa loses up to $4.2 billion annually due to negative media coverage that often exaggerate risks about Africa and deter investments necessary for our economic growth. Glad to see Weelevateafrica reshaping the narrative by highlighting a dynamic continent of resilience, progress, innovation and opportunity.

The Elevate Africa Conferenece Weelevateafrica was nothing short of transformative. Leaders, visionaries, and stakeholders from across the African continent gathered to retell the story of Africa, a story that is no longer defined by external narratives, but one that is rooted in our ability to elevate from within. The presence of our Royal Majesties, The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Queen Consort, Olori Atuwatse III, made this conference even more profound, setting the tone for what is to come. Their leadership and vision to convene this conference is a powerful reminder that the future of Africa is in our hands. For far too long, we’ve spoken of Africa’s unrealised potential. Now is the time for decisive and collaborative action. The conversations at this conference were not just discussions—they were a blueprint for how we, as Africans, can work together to unlock the full power of the continent. It was a congealing of ideas, partnerships, and collaborations that will shape our future. As moderator of the panel Elevating African Trade: Through Regional Partnerships and Collaboration, I had the privilege of guiding a conversation alongside incredible minds who are equally committed to ensuring that we don’t just dream of an elevated Africa but we actively build it. We discussed the role the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will play in unlocking regional trade. At Aruwa Capital Management we are proud to be at the forefront of these relevant conversations. Through our work, we continue to champion the importance of looking inwards, leveraging our people, our resources, our local pools of capital and our innovative capacities to uplift the continent. We are dedicated to being a partner in creating a truly inclusive and sustainable African economy. Africa is released as a nation. The time is now, we accept the mandate to continue to Elevate Africa! cc: Serah Makka Pumela Salela Melinda Harris Barrow Juanita Sheppard, CFRE Dr.Jane Kimemia Timi Oke Attah’Ebwa Musa Anzaku Gbola Lawson, PMP Chike O. Chukwuelue AgroEknor Fastizers Food and Confectionery Limited Aruwa Capital Management Iyinoluwa Aboyeji Banke kuku Summy Smart Francis Paul Odunaiya #aruwacapital #africaninvestment #afcfta #sustainabledevelopment #impactinvesting #elevateafrica #leadershipinafrica

As one of Africa’s leading economic regions, East Africa offers immense potential for businesses, with its growing economies, youthful population, and increasing regional integration. However, navigating the diverse regulatory landscapes, infrastructure gaps, and cultural nuances requires strategic planning and local insight.    During the upcoming invite-only event themed East Africa: Powering Africa’s Sustainable Growth on Monday, 2 December 2024, ALN will be hosting a panel titled 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮: 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 from 10.00 AM (MUT).  The panel will be moderated by Our Senior Partner and ALN, Director, Karim Anjarwalla who will be joined by an exceptional lineup of speakers, including   1.  James Mwangi – Chief Executive Officer, Equity Group Holdings 2.  Stephen Jennings – Founder & CEO, Rendeavour 3.  Gilead Teri – Executive Director, Tanzania Investment Centre 4.  Arnaud Lagesse – Group CEO, IBL Together, Mauritius   The panel will explore the key drivers of East Africa’s economic boom, the biggest challenges facing businesses in the region, and EAC’s role in breaking down barriers to facilitate cross-border trade and drive regional integration.   For more details about this event, email RSVP enquiries to: events@blc.mu #PoweringSustainableGrowth #BridgingOpportunities #RegionalIntegration #SpurringInvestment #ReadyBusiness #EastAfrica #Mauritus #OneALN

Uganda's Minister Evelyn Anite participated in the ministerial panel discussing the U.S.-East Africa partnership. The panel focused on strategic, economic, and policy dimensions. Top-ranking policymakers shared insights on priorities, opportunities, and the importance of fostering innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity in the region. Minister Evelyn Anite contributed to unpacking key priorities and opportunities within the U.S.-East Africa partnership. The panel aimed to lay a solid foundation for collaboration that would benefit both regions economically and strategically. Anite's insights added value to the discussion by highlighting Uganda's perspective on enhancing mutual growth and development. The ministerial panel provided a platform for in-depth discussions on strengthening ties between the U.S. and East Africa. Minister Evelyn Anite's presence underscored Uganda's commitment to fostering partnerships that drive innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The outcomes of this panel are expected to guide future policies and initiatives for mutual benefit. #AmChamSummit2024 #AmChamSummit

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Africa Leaders Business Council. This council unites thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from various sectors to enhance engagement and investment in Africa. Together, we aim to navigate the evolving business landscape and support sustainable growth across the continent. “Amidst the rapidly intensifying geopolitical landscape, and given its tremendous demographic potential, Africa is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global economy,” said Laura Deal Lacey, Executive Vice President of MI International at the Milken Institute. “We recognize the excellence in Africa’s innovation and ingenuity. We believe our Africa Leaders Business Council will play a key role in helping our stakeholders to navigate the continent and provide a fresh perspective in tackling issues shaping the global agenda across climate change, health, capital access, and energy transition.” Learn more about the announcement: https://lnkd.in/gvKtc9PM Learn more about our work in Africa: https://lnkd.in/gH4Vnuet #Africa #Investment #Leadership #Business #Innovation #Economy

The latest edition of Enterprise Africa 📚 is live and, as always, brings stories of innovation and excellence. It's 100% free👍 and you don't need to sign up or subscribe🫡. In June, we concentrate on inspirational leaders who look beyond the short-term and the negativity (and elections) and have a long-term vision🚀 which includes a thriving South Africa and booming businesses. Not distracted by the little things, these are the people who think big💣. Across tourism, energy, construction, engineering, and more, the companies that are truly sustainable and long-term begin with a core focus that grows to a all-encompassing and powerful community force⚡. Read more today👇. https://lnkd.in/gVHvErc #southafricanbusiness #buildingforbetter

Join us tonight for the live coverage of the 4th East Africa Congress Of Accountants from Kigali, Rwanda. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights by following the tag, #EACOA2024. #WeCreateImpact