About Us

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Agenda

DAY 3: Friday 10 November 2023
09:30 – 10:30 Opening Plenary: Digital Disruptors and Transformative Technology

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
10:30 – 10:45 Short Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:00 Renewable Energy and Natural Capital: Accelerating Green Growth

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
12:00 – 13:00 Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Securing the Future

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
13:00 – 14:30Networking Lunch
14:30 – 15:30Capital Market: Mobilizing Investment for Transformational Growth

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
15:30 – 16:00Coffee Break
16:00 – 17:15Africa’s Creative Industries: Strategies for Promoting Investment and Growth

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
17:15 - 17:45Closing Plenary
  • 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
17:45 - 18:45Closing press conference for founding partners
19:00Closing Reception and Creative Industry Showcase
DAY 2: Thursday, 9 NOVEMBER 2023
09:00 – 10:00 Agri-Business: Unleashing Innovation and Unlocking Growth

Africa has enormous potential to feed its own population and the world. However, unlocking the full potential of African agribusiness requires investment in infrastructure, innovation, and value chain development. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in agribusiness, including value-added processing, logistics, and technology. The panellists will discuss ways to build resilient and sustainable supply chains that create jobs and promote inclusive growth.

Speakers:

  • Gagan Gupta, CEO, ARISE IIP
  • Dr. Adeel Malik, Professor Development Economics, University of Oxford

Moderator:

  • Raissa Okoi, Journalist and senior TV Anchor
10:00 – 11:00 Made in Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Domestic Manufacturing

Domestic manufacturing is a critical component of economic transformation and job creation in Africa. With the continent's population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, there is a growing need for local manufacturing to meet the demand for goods and services and reduce reliance on imports. This panel will explore the role of domestic manufacturing in African markets and its potential to drive economic growth, value addition, and job creation.

Speakers:

  • Gilles Vaes, CEO, InfraCo Africa
  • Mia Lahlou Filali, CEO, Pharma 5
  • Valerie Labi, CEO, Wahul
  • Amer Benouda, International Vice President, Aba Technology
  • Faruk Saleh, CEO, Metro Capital Advisory Group

Moderator:

  • David Pilling, Africa Editor, Financial Times
11:00 – 11:30 Networking Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:10 Sports as a Business Catalyst

Sports is a rapidly growing industry in Africa, with tremendous potential to create jobs, promote health and well-being, and foster social inclusion. According to PwC, the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $12 billion by 2027. Investment, however, is lagging, with just 1% of financing for African start-ups going to sports-related companies despite much excitement about the sector. This session will explore opportunities for investment in sports infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and sports academies. The session will discuss ways to promote youth development through sports and to leverage sports as a tool for social change. The integrative role of sports in tourism and the hospitality business as well as sports-related investment to drive economic growth will also be discussed.

Fireside Chat:

  • Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa

Moderator:

  • Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group
12:10 – 14:20 Networking Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 Investment Spotlight

Waste To Wealth:

  • Dotun Popoola, Artist, Popoola Studio
15:30 – 15:55 Regional Corridors: Quest to Integrate Africa

Regional Corridors are critical to much-needed coordinated infrastructure development initiatives, and for establishing industrial clusters, attracting much-needed investment and spearheading socio-economic development and progress. The purpose of this session is to fast-track the implementation of these transformational regional corridor projects by sharing experience and innovative ideas among development partners, and public and private sector investors. Our collective approach is designed to attract investors to economically sustainable projects in areas with exponential growth potential.

Scene Setting:

  • Ms. Esther Awoniyi, Senior Business Anchor, CNBC Africa

Opening Remarks:

  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group

Keynote Speech:

  • Ms. K. Danae Pauli, Senior Advisor, Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), U.S. Department of State
15:55 – 16:40 A deep-dive panel discussion of the Regional Corridors

Panelists:

  • H.E. Frank M. Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Zambia (TBC)
  • H.E. Dieudonne Dukundane, Minister of Infrastructure, Burundi
  • Mr. Ivan Marques Santos, Secretary of State for the Economy, Angola
  • H.E. Peter Mathuki, Secretary General, East African Community (EAC)
  • Dr. Mohamed Kadah, Assistant Secretary General, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
  • Mr. Sédiko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
  • Mr. Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of Unit - Sustainable Transport and Urban Development, European Commission
  • Mr. Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO, Tanger Med Special Agency (TMSA), Morocco
  • Mr. Philippe Labonne, CEO, AGL Group (Africa Global Logistics)

Moderator:

  • Ms. Esther Awoniyi, Senior Business Anchor, CNBC Africa
16:40 – 16:55 Q&A
16:55 – 17:00 Closing Remarks:
  • Ms. Esther Awoniyi, Senior Business Anchor, CNBC Africa
DAY 1: Wednesday, 8 November 2023
09:00 – 09:45 Welcome and Statements

Speakers:

  • Royal Address from His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco
  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group & Chairperson, Africa Investment Forum
09:45 – 10:45 Conversations with Heads of State: Accelerating Africa's Economic Transformation

AIF2023 will be opened by a presidential panel that addresses Africa's potential to play a larger role in global value chains. The continent stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, with manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology driving growth and industrialization. However, challenges persist such as an infrastructure investment gap and geopolitical disruptions in food. This presidential panel will address ways to accelerate Africa’s industrial development and explore how best to drive value addition on the continent.

  • H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania
  • H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros & Chairperson of the African Union (AU)
  • H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone
  • H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
  • H.E. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister, Rwanda

Moderators

  • Abdelmalek Alaoui, CEO, Guepard Group, Columnist, La Tribune
10:45 – 11:10 Coffee Break
11:10 – 12:30 Responsible Industrialization: Investing in Productivity, Progress and Prosperity

The African Union's Agenda 2063 aims to accelerate Africa's industrialization, with the goal of increasing the continent's share of global manufacturing value-added from the current level of about 1.5% to 7% by 2030 and 15% by 2063. Responsible and sustainable industrialization is critical to the continent’s economic development. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in responsible industrialization, including the adoption of clean technologies, the development of circular economy models, and the promotion of responsible supply chains. The panelists will discuss ways to ensure that industrialization benefits local communities and the environment, while also promoting economic growth and job creation.

Speakers:

  • Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO, Africa Finance Corporation
  • Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa 50
  • Moulay Hafid Elalamy, CEO, Saham Group, Former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Digital Economy of Morocco
  • Tunde Folawiyo, Managing Director, Folawiyo Group
  • Ng Yeen Seen, CEO, Centre for Research, Advisory and Technology (CREATE)
  • Chakib Alj, President of the CGEM, the Moroccan representative of the private sector

Moderator:  Aziza Naït Sibaha, Senior TV Anchor

12:30 – 12:45 Shaping the future: The new generation of African Sovereign Investment Funds
  • Mohamed Benchaâboun, President of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund and former Minister of Economy and Finance
12:45 – 14:00 Networking Lunch
13:00 – 14:00 Opening press conference of AIF Founding Partners

12:30 – 14:00 Women As Investment Champions: A Berber Experience (by invitation only)

Women are the backbone of African economies. However, one of the most critical challenges facing women entrepreneurs and women-led business is access to finance. According to the African Development Bank Group, women operate over 40 percent of African small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite the significant role and size of women businesses, the disparity in the funding gap between men and women entrepreneurs stands at approximately USD 42 billion. Also, according to the International Finance Corporation, African women entrepreneurs receive less than 10 percent of available venture capital funding and just 5 percent of private equity investments. This engagement will highlight individual journeys across diverse sectors.

14:00 – 15:15 Launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Alliance

Africa’s food and agribusiness market could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Africa’s untapped agricultural potential – 65% of the uncultivated arable land left in the world is on the continent - is key to not only feeding its population but also in feeding the world. But to unlock this potential, investments in infrastructure, innovation, value addition, and the entire value chain are crucial.

The creation of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones facilitates closer connection between players across the value chain, which can stimulate more and more value creation domestically. With the direct impact of this increased value seen through job creation, wealth creation and an agriculture sector better able to withstand external shocks and pressures, could SAPZs be the defining moment in ending food insecurity in Africa for good?

This discussion will feature multiple stakeholder perspectives and will examine how SAPZs can provide investment opportunities for both the private and public sector, in areas as diverse as infrastructure, logistics, technology, and SME financing. Panelists will consider what incentives can be offered to stimulate these investments, what barriers exist, and what success looks like.

Opening Remarks

  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group
  • H.E. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Morocco
  • H.E. Richard Tusabe, Minister of State for Treasury, Republic of Rwanda

Speakers:

  • Prof. Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank 
  • Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC and Ag. CEO ICD, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group
  • Dejane Tezane, Director -Agribusiness, UNIDO
  • Mr. Gagan Gupta, CEO, ARISE IIP
  • Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank Group
  • Gunther Beger , Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO

Closing Remarks

  • Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Advisor to the President, African Development Bank Group

Moderator

  • Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group
15:30 – 16:30  Strategic Minerals: Financing a New Global Era of Prosperity

Africa is home to a wealth of strategic minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt, which are critical for modern technologies. However, unlocking the value of these minerals requires investment in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable practices. This panel will explore opportunities for investment in strategic minerals, including the development of downstream industries that can create jobs and promote economic diversification. The panelists will discuss ways to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices that benefit local communities and the environment.

Speakers:

  • Swazi Tshabalala, Senior Vice President, African Development Bank
  • Amina Benkhadra, CEO, ONHYM
  • Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo, President, Association of women in mining in Ghana and Executive Director, Georgette Barnes Limited

Moderator:  Martine Dennis, Business Anchor

16:30 – 17:00 Investment Spotlight and Country Focus: Morocco Now & Forever

Keynote Speakers:

  • Abdelhamid Addou, CEO, Royal Air Maroc
  • Ali Seddiki, Managing Director, AMDIE
17:00 – 18:00 Panel discussion: The Moroccan Way Balancing
Economic Growth with Social Imperatives

Speakers:

  • H.E Mustapha Baïtas, Minister in charge of Relations with the Parliament and Spokesman for the Moroccan Government
  • The Honourable Baroness Warsi, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
  • Alexandre Kateb, Founder, The Multipolarity Report
  • Dr. Adeel Malik, Professor of Development Economics, Oxford University

Moderator: Aziza Naït Sibaha, Senior TV Anchor

19:00 Gala Dinner