Kigali gives Africa’s scale agenda a sharper voice
The Africa CEO Forum closed in Kigali with a clear message: Africa’s next growth chapter will depend on scale, shared ownership and stronger cross-border cooperation.
Held on 14 and 15 May at the Kigali Convention Centre, the 13th edition brought together more than 2,800 public and private sector leaders from over 77 countries. Organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-organised with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the forum focused on how African markets, capital and rules can work better together.
From national markets to continental players
Under the theme “Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership”, participants discussed how Africa can move beyond fragmented markets and build stronger continental players. The agenda focused on three practical levers: shared equity, shared infrastructure and shared frameworks.
The aim was not abstract. Leaders explored how cross-border investment, connected infrastructure and better-aligned rules can help African companies grow beyond national borders and compete in global value chains.
The forum also produced nearly USD 2 billion in agreements, partnerships and memoranda of understanding. The Rwanda Development Board, IFC, Equity Bank, VISA, Spiro, Access Bank, BOAD, Shelter Africa Development Bank and others were among the major players involved.
“This Forum confirms that Africa’s moment has come,” said Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC.
Investment, talent and new industries
The Kigali discussions also reached into sectors that are shaping Africa’s next phase of value creation. Sessions looked at infrastructure, energy, finance, agriculture, industry and digital development. Others focused on sport, creative industries, data, AI and intellectual property.
That wider lens matters. Investment is no longer only about roads, factories and finance. It also flows through ideas, stories, technology, talent and ownership.
Kigali’s role as host placed Rwanda at the centre of a continental conversation about investment, innovation and value addition. The next step is execution: turning shared ambition into companies, industries and jobs that can travel across Africa.
More info:
