As the global economy contends with rising protectionism, shrinking development aid, and mounting debt costs, African leaders and business executives are gathering in Abidjan for the 12th Africa CEO Forum on May 12-13, 2025. The summit, organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), brings together 2,000 high-level participants—including over 900 CEOs, heads of state, and global investors—to chart a path for Africa’s economic future under the theme: “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”
This year’s forum unfolds against a backdrop of economic headwinds. Many African countries are grappling with reduced external support and high debt-servicing burdens, while global trade is increasingly shaped by protectionist policies. Yet, amid these challenges, the continent is also witnessing new opportunities: South-South trade and investment are on the rise, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is beginning to reshape intra-African commerce.
Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, emphasized the urgency of the moment “The current transactional environment gives Africa the ultimate incentive to remove the barriers still holding back its private sector, as no other alternative can match its adaptive speed, innovative capacity, and strategic agility. This is the core mission of the Africa CEO Forum, and we will continue to champion this vision together.”
The 2025 forum centers its agenda on three pillars: enhancing governance, refining public policies, and accelerating the AfCFTA. Participants will explore how improved governance and accountability can foster a more business-friendly environment, ensuring transparency and effective decision-making. Strategic policy reforms are needed to address Africa’s structural challenges—such as promoting value-added industries, industrialization, and leveraging the continent’s energy and labor potential.
Accelerating AfCFTA implementation is seen as critical for unlocking intra-African trade, improving infrastructure, and positioning Africa as a more influential global economic player. Workshops and debates will tackle topics including AI-powered governance, the future of African energy, supply chain resilience, and the evolving role of local financing as development aid diminishes.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is “The Great Debate”—the first-ever head-to-head session featuring all five official candidates for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Moderated by Nicholas Norbrook, Managing Editor of The Africa Report, the debate will see Amadou Hott, Sidi Ould Tah, Swazi Tshabalala, Mahamat Abbas Tolli, and Samuel Maimbo present their visions for the Bank’s future and Africa’s economic development. Their plans for industrialization, climate-aligned infrastructure, and private capital mobilization will be closely watched as the continent seeks dynamic leadership in a pivotal period.
Makhtar Diop, IFC’s Managing Director, underscored the importance of public-private collaboration “By advancing locally driven solutions and enhancing their investment readiness, we are working with Africa’s private sector leaders to pioneer new and sustainable models of progress.”
The Africa CEO Forum is widely recognized as the continent’s leading platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors. This year’s event will welcome a distinguished roster of attendees, including President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Taye Atske-Selassie of Ethiopia, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, alongside prime ministers, ministers, and CEOs from leading African and international companies.
