Uniting for Progress: Key Insights from The Africa CEO Forum 2024

At the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers converged to discuss Africa’s growth strategies and pivotal role in the global market. 

The 2024 Africa CEO Forum (ACF) in Kigali, Rwanda, proved to be a pivotal event, uniting over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across the globle. Themed “At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa,” the forum emphasized the continent’s urgent need to take a proactive stance on the global stage. This report, presented from a TNP’s strategic perspective, analyzes key takeaways from the forum, with a particular focus on the Presidential Panel discussion and its implications for Africa’s future.

A continent at a crossroads

Africa stands at a critical juncture with a burgeoning youthful population, abundant natural resources, and a rapidly growing economy presenting immense opportunities. Despite this, challenges like infrastructure gaps, political instability, and social inequities persist. The ACF 2024 provided a platform for African leaders to address these complexities and chart a course for a more prosperous future.

Four transformative agendas: a framework for growth 

The forum spotlighted four key transformative agendas:

• Leadership: Developing robust corporate governance, fostering innovation, and cultivating ethical leadership were identified as crucial for attracting investment and building sustainable businesses.
• Digital transformation: Emphasizing the use of to bridge the digital divide, promote financial inclusion, and boost e-commerce as catalysts for economic growth across all sectors.
• Continental integration: Strengthening regional trade agreements and fostering cross-border collaboration were seen as essential for creating a larger, more attractive African market for global investors.
• Financing: The need to mobilize domestic resources, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and develop innovative financing solutions such as green bonds was highlighted to bridge the infrastructure gap and fuel further development.

The Presidential Panel: shaping a new narrative 

The Presidential Panel, featuring prominent African leaders, explored the theme in more detail.  Key takeaways included:

• Africa needs a seat at the table:  The continent must actively engage in shaping global discussions on issues like climate change, trade agreements, and global governance structures.
• Focus on shared prosperity:  Economic growth must translate into improved living standards for all Africans. Investments in education, healthcare, and social safety nets are crucial to create a more equitable future.
• Building stable institutions: Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, and combating corruption were identified as essential for creating a conducive environment for business and long-term investment.
• Investing in youth:  Africa’s young population is a tremendous asset. Leaders must prioritize education, skills development, and job creation to harness this demographic dividend.
• Collaboration is key:  African nations must work together to tackle regional challenges and leverage their collective bargaining power in the global marketplace.

TNP at ACF 2024: our ambitions in Africa

TNP, a knowledge partner of Africa CEO Forum 2024, was represented by our regional leadership led by our president and founder, Benoit Ranini.

TNP partner Matthieu Lebeurre lead two round tables at the forum “Charting Digital Waters: Preparing African Ports for the Maritime Single Window” and “Green Ports, Blue Oceans: Accelerating Decarbonisation in the Maritime Industry”

TNP India director Arun SADHEESH explained the importance of promoting AI and innovative startups in the continent to accelerate Africa’s transformation, in his interview with Jeune Afrique. 

Our regional leaders Philippe Galtier, MD TNP Morocco, Fabien Soret, MD TNP Ivoy Coast and Manoj Kumar, director of digital transformation, engaged in many fruitful conversation with key African business leaders.

With a growing presence in African regions, we are committed to future strengthening our position in the region by concentration on four major axeis:

• Support the demand for strategic guidance:  Businesses across Africa are seeking guidance on navigating the continent’s dynamic landscape. Consulting firms can support strategic planning, market entry strategies, and business model development.
• Bring digital transformation expertise:  Firms with expertise in digital transformation can assist African companies in using technology to improve efficiency, reach new markets, and enhance customer experiences.
• Promote public-private partnerships:  Bridging the infrastructure gap will require collaboration between governments and private investors. Consulting firms can play a vital role in facilitating these partnerships and structuring beneficial deals for all stakeholders.
• Drive sustainability consulting:  The growing focus on environmental sustainability presents opportunities for consulting firms to advise businesses on implementing green practices, managing their environmental impact, and accessing green financing.

The future of Africa is a catalyst for global growth

The ACF 2024 served as a powerful reminder of Africa’s immense potential. With its young population, abundant resources, and growing economies, the continent has the power to shape its own destiny. By addressing key challenges, Africa can become a major driver of global growth and prosperity