Abidjan Hosts Africa CEO Forum 2025: Private Sector Unveils ‘New Deal’ for Continental Transformation
Abidjan, May 12, 2025 – The Ivorian economic capital welcomed over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers for the 12th Africa CEO Forum at Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire. Organized by Jeune Afrique Group in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this flagship event focused on forging a transformative public-private partnership to drive Africa’s prosperity.
Global Challenges Meet African Solutions
Against a backdrop of rising protectionism and shrinking development aid, the forum convened prominent leaders including Presidents Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), John Mahama (Ghana), and Ethiopian Prime Minister Taye Atske-Selassie. Key discussion points included:
- AI as a growth accelerator
- Strengthening supply chain resilience
- Advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area
- Developing local financing alternatives
Video credit to: East Africa Daily-Jean Paul Turayishimye
The Private Sector as Africa’s Growth Engine
Forum President Amir Ben Yahmed declared: The private sector is Africa’s greatest asset. Its innovation must be unleashed through bold public policies.
The proposed ‘New Deal’ aims to generate $1.5 trillion in economic growth by 2030 through:
- Agricultural self-sufficiency
- Industrialization
- Digital transformation
From Talk to Action: Concrete Partnerships Emerge
Beyond panel discussions, the forum facilitated 900+ CEO meetings and 200 investor sessions. Notable initiatives included:
- Women Working for Change: Advancing female leadership
- Disrupters Club: Showcasing innovative startups
Abidjan’s modern infrastructure proved ideal for these high-level exchanges, with one Nigerian entrepreneur noting: This city symbolizes African ambition.
Governance and Taxation Take Center Stage
Intense debates focused on balancing private sector empowerment with public interest protection. Discussions addressed:
- Tax policy reforms
- Public-private partnerships in healthcare and agriculture
- Digital technology ecosystems
Planting Seeds for Africa’s Future
The forum transcended being merely an event, emerging as a movement for continental transformation. As one panelist noted: Great ideas emerge from crises.
In Abidjan, these ideas took root, promising to blossom for future generations.