Africa CEO Forum 2025: A New Deal for Public-Private Collaboration
Key Highlights of the Upcoming Forum
- The 2025 edition of the Africa CEO Forum will gather 2,000 CEOs, investors, and public sector leaders from over 75 countries in Abidjan from May 12–13.
- In a challenging global economic backdrop marked by rising protectionism, reduced development aid, and high debt-serving costs, the Forum will tackle the prospect of a ‘New Deal’ to strengthen the relationship between governments and businesses in Africa.
- The agenda reflects the urgent need for innovative approaches to development based on strong governance, incentive-based industrial policies, and reinforced trade integration.
Addressing Economic Challenges and Opportunities
April 15, 2025 (Paris, France): The 12th Africa CEO Forum, taking place on May 12–13, unfolds against a challenging global economic backdrop. Rising protectionism, reduced development aid, and high debt-serving costs pose significant hurdles. However, growing opportunities for South-South trade and investment offer new avenues for African businesses to expand and innovate across the continent and beyond.
Organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Forum will bring together 2,000 business representatives and government leaders to drive actionable solutions. Under the theme “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”, the event will focus on optimizing public-private collaboration to advance sustainable development.
Key Discussion Pillars
Discussions will center on three critical pillars:
- Enhancing governance to foster transparency and effective decision-making.
- Refining public policies to tackle structural challenges like industrialization and energy potential.
- Accelerating the AfCFTA to unlock intra-African trade and improve infrastructure.
Leadership Perspectives
Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, emphasized:
“The current transactional environment gives Africa the ultimate incentive to remove the barriers still holding back its private sector, as no other alternative can match its adaptive speed, innovative capacity, and strategic agility. This is the core mission of the Africa CEO Forum, and we will continue to champion this vision together.”
Major Highlight: AfDB Presidential Debate
For the first time in the Forum’s history, the five official candidates for the presidency of the African Development Bank will engage in a high-stakes debate. Moderated by The Africa Report’s Managing Editor, Nicholas Norbrook, contenders Amadou Hott, Sidi Ould Tah, Swazi Tshabalala, Mahamat Abbas Tolli, and Samuel Maimbo will outline their visions for industrialization, climate-aligned infrastructure, and private capital mobilization.
Confirmed Attendees
The Forum will convene over 2,000 decision-makers, including 900+ CEOs and prominent leaders such as:
- H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of Ivory Coast
- H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal
- H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC
- Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group
For more details, visit the official Africa CEO Forum website.