A high-net-worth individual (HNWI) is someone with liquid assets of at least $1 million after accounting for their liabilities. Liquid assets held by HNWIs include cash and investments that can be easily liquidated or converted to cash, including stocks. HNWIs need and receive tailored financial and money management services due to their net worth.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Google are deepening their collaboration to help unlock the promise of digital transformation in the African continent. Together, they are rolling out a series of training programs aimed at equipping young Africans and government officials with practical skills in critical emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics, and cloud computing.

The goal is simple: empower more Africans with the tools to make data-driven decisions, shape future-ready policies, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.

This collaboration builds on a shared commitment to digital capacity building in Africa. Initiatives like the World Robot Olympiad Africa, which reached nearly 9,000 students across 14 countries, and demonstrated the power of hands-on learning to inspire innovation. Now, ECA and Google are extending that impact by focusing on digital skills training for policymakers and government leaders.

Over 500 delegates, including Heads of State, Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, development partners, and civil society organizations gathered in Lomé for the inaugural African Union Debt Conference, held under the theme “Africa’s Public Debt Management Agenda: Restoring and Safeguarding Debt Sustainability.”

The three-day conference was convened by the African Union Commission in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Togo, under the High Patronage of Faure Gnassingbé, President of the council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo, who opened the session by calling for a “collective African ambition that prioritizes sovereignty, solidarity, and regional stability.” He urged participants to rethink global debt rules and emphasized that “debt, when used strategically and responsibly, must serve as a tool for the common good.”

In his opening remarks, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), warned that “Africa is not merely facing a debt crisis—it is confronting a development crisis.” He outlined five imperatives to restore fiscal sovereignty and turn Africa’s debt into a lever for transformation.

During the Africa CEO Forum Gala Dinner, the 2025 AWARDS honored companies and leaders who are shaping the continent’s economy and embodying the renewal of African leadership. Organized in partnership with Forvis Mazars, the ceremony recognized six winners for their impact, strategic vision, and long-term commitment.

For eleven years, the Africa CEO Forum Awards have celebrated those who best represent the continent’s ambition: building sustainable, inclusive growth led by the private sector. Over 250 companies and investment funds, along with more than fifty of Africa’s most emblematic leaders, have already been nominated.

For the 2025 edition, six outstanding winners were selected by an independent jury following a rigorous selection process among the most promising applications from across the continent.