By Asmau Ahmad
African presidents, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), ministers, investors and United Nations (UN) leaders would be joined by music, sports and film stars for an exclusive two-day forum on Africa’s future at Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI).
GABI is a platform for promoting business, trade, and investment across the continent.
At a virtual news conference, GABI unveiled the line-up for its flagship event ‘Unstoppable Africa’ scheduled for September 21-22, in New York, United States.
The two-day event, co-convened by the African Union (AU) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, serves as a pivotal forum for leaders to discuss and strategise the way forward for Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
Mrs Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO, UN Global Compact, said the event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in amplifying Africa’s opportunities.
She said the landmark event would take place as Africa’s leaders worked collectively to leverage the continent’s assets, including a young population and abundant natural resources.
Ojiambo said the initiative mirrors Africa’s aspiration to rise above challenges while turning challenges like climate change, energy constraints, water scarcity, and food supply into opportunities.
“GABI aims to catalyse Africa’s key role in the global marketplace and ‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a powerful affirmation of GABI’s unwavering commitment to redefining Africa’s economic narrative and the world.
“The convening will facilitate solution-driven dialogues, inclusive participation, and enriching conversations and debates, all geared towards accelerating and amplifying Africa to new heights of business growth and economic transformation,” she said.
She revealed that confirmed participants included President Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of Botswana, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations.
Others include Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, UN; Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President, AfreximBank.
“Also confirmed are Samalia Zubairu, President, African Finance Corporation, Dr Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation, Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programmes and The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
“We also have Spike Lee, filmmaker and actor, United States; Acha Leke, Chairman and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman ot the BUA Group, Asisat Oshoala, professional footballer, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre, Dr James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group Holdings, among others have confirmed,” she said.
Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director, National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) said they were thrilled to be part of GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event.
She said their partnership was rooted in the belief that economic growth and sustainable development in Africa was vital not only for the continent but also for the world at large.
“The NBPA’s commitment to social impact, equality, and empowerment aligns with GABI’s mission to redefine Africa’s business landscape.
“The focus of this year’s agenda will revolve around three pivotal themes: Energy Access & Energy Transition, Inclusive Growth & Trade, and Digital Transformation.
“These themes will be explored through a series of impactful high-level keynotes, engaging fireside chats, and thought-provoking panel discussions, all of which will provide in-depth insights into the future of the continent,” she said.
The event will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and is supported by Google, Mastercard Foundation, Summa Group, AfrExImBank, Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASRi).
Other supporters include Rockefeller Foundation, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) among others.
