Digital technologies are transforming the African economy, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, e-commerce, and telemedicine. The panellists will discuss ways to promote digital inclusion and to leverage technology to address social and economic challenges. They will also discuss the potential for digital technologies, particularly AI, to accelerate development and connect African businesses with global markets. The social and ethical dimensions of AI will be considered, as well as the need for a pro-innovation regulatory environment that can also mitigate the emerging risks associated with AI.
Speakers:
- Samuel Alemayehu, Investor, Next Billion
- Adnane Ben Halima, Vice President in charge of Public Relations for Mediterranean and North Africa, Huawei
- Liz McAreavey, CEO, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Femi Adeagbo, CEO, Comnavig
Moderator:
- Zaid M. Belbagi, CEO of Hardcastle and Columnist, Arab News
Renewable energy and natural capital are critical to Africa's sustainable development, and there is enormous potential for investment in these areas. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydropower. Panelists will discuss ways to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, including water, land, and forests. They will also explore ways to leverage renewable energy and natural capital to drive economic growth, promote energy access, and mitigate climate change.
Speakers:
- James Mwangi, CEO, Africa Climate Ventures
- Miguel Azevedo, Head of Investment Banking, Middle East, Africa and Portugal, Citi group
- Dr. Philip Mshelbila, CEO, Nigeria LNG Ltd.
- Kevin Kariuki, Vice President Energy, African Development Bank
Moderator:
- TBC
Infrastructure is essential to Africa's economic development, but it must be designed and built with climate change in mind. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, including resilient transport systems, green buildings, and water management systems. Panellists will discuss ways to promote the resilience of critical infrastructure in the face of devastating climate change and other environmental challenges, as well as the promotion of economic growth and job creation.
Speakers:
- Boitumelo Mosako, CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Amadou Hott, Special Envoy of the President of the African Development Bank for the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa
- Tas Anvaripour, CEO, Themis Energy
- Mohammed Al-Ghanim, CEO, Hamad S. Al-Ghanim Group
- Lamia Merzouki, Chair, United Nations-led Financial Centers for Sustainability Network and COO, Casablanca Finance City Authority
- Obaid Amrane, CEO, Ithmar Capital
Moderator:
- Yvonne Ndege, Former BBC and Al Jazeera TV Correspondent, Regional Spokesperson, IOM - UN Migration
Capital markets play a critical role in mobilizing investment in Africa, but they face numerous challenges. This panel will explore opportunities for investments in capital markets, including the development of local capital markets, the promotion of responsible investment, and the development of innovative financial instruments. Panellists will also discuss ways to promote the integration of African capital markets with global markets. Panellists will also discuss innovative ways of mitigating risks and promoting sustainable investment in capital markets.
Speakers:
- Karabo Morule, Founder, Amara Strategic Investments (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
- Alexandre Kateb,Founder, The Multipolarity Report
- Mohamed El Kettani, CEO, Attijariwafa Bank
- Papa Ndiaye, CEO, AFIG Funds
- Dr. Wilmot Allen, Founder, VentureLift Africa
Moderator:
- Jonathan Rosenthal, Africa Editor, The Economist
The creative industries in Africa are rapidly gaining attention for their potential to drive economic growth and job creation on the continent. According to UNESCO, Africa’s film and audiovisual industries alone could create 20 million jobs and generate $20 billion per year, while revenue from digital music streaming is expected to reach $500 million by 2025 for all of Africa – a five-fold increase since 2017. This panel will explore the current state of Africa's creative industries, their potential for growth, and their broader contribution to GDP.
Speakers:
- Neila Tazi, CEO of A3, Moroccan Senator, President of the Federation of Cultural Industries of Morocco
- Obi Asika, Founder and Chairman, Dragon Africa
- Peace Hyde, Creator and Executive Producer, Netflix, Ghana
- Valérie Ka, Founder, Africa Fashion Up
- George Gachara, Chairman and Founder, Heva Fund LLP
Moderator:
- Claudine Moore, CEO and Founder, C. Moore Media International Public Relations
- Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance, Morocco
Unveiling the Boardrooms
Introduction by
- Chinelo Anohu, Senior Director, Africa Investment Forum
Outcomes of the Boardrooms:
- Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group & Chairperson of the Africa Investment Forum