Africa CEO Forum 2026 to Convene Tinubu, Dangote and Global Leaders in Kigali for High-Stakes Economic Talks

KIGALI — African and global business leaders are set to converge in Kigali for the 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum, a high-level gathering expected to shape the continent’s economic direction amid shifting global capital flows.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is among the confirmed attendees, alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote and a broad coalition of investors, policymakers, and executives from more than 75 countries.

Scheduled for May 14–15, the forum will bring together over 2,000 participants under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Economic Strategy

Organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group in partnership with International Finance Corporation, the forum comes at a critical time as African economies navigate global uncertainty while seeking to accelerate growth and competitiveness.

Organizers have framed the central message in direct terms: “scale or fail.”

The 2026 edition is expected to push beyond dialogue, focusing on actionable strategies to unlock capital, deepen regional integration, and build globally competitive African enterprises.

High-Level Participation Signals Strategic Importance

Alongside President Tinubu, Nigeria will be strongly represented by both public and private sector leaders, reflecting the country’s central role in continental economic discussions.

The presence of Dangote—whose industrial operations span energy, cement, and manufacturing—signals continued private sector influence in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory.

Other global stakeholders, including investors and institutional leaders, are expected to use the platform to align on cross-border partnerships and large-scale investment opportunities.

From National Growth to Continental Scale

At the core of the forum’s agenda is a shift from fragmented national growth strategies toward coordinated continental scale.

Key focus areas include:

• Shared equity: pooling African capital to build multinational enterprises

• Shared infrastructure: developing cross-border projects to strengthen regional value chains

• Shared frameworks: harmonizing regulations to improve investment flows and mobility

According to Amir Ben Yahmed, Africa must rethink its economic model to compete globally.

“African capital investing together will define the next generation of African champions,” he said ahead of the event.

Capital, Policy, and Execution

Makhtar Diop emphasized that the continent’s challenge is no longer access to opportunity, but execution at scale.

“Africa has the capital and the opportunity to grow,” he said. “What matters now is putting that capital to work effectively across borders.”

The forum is expected to build on momentum from the African Continental Free Trade Area, with discussions focused on translating policy into measurable economic outcomes.

Positioning Africa in a Competitive Global Economy

As emerging markets compete for capital and influence, the Africa CEO Forum is increasingly positioned as a central platform connecting policy with investment.

Since its founding in 2012, the forum has evolved into one of the continent’s most influential gatherings, shaping conversations around private sector development and economic integration.

This year’s edition is expected to go further—moving from discussion to alignment on how Africa scales its economies, institutions, and global presence.

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