Private Sector Initiative To Promote Business, Investment Into Africa

Private sector initiative known as Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) is set to promote business, trade, and investment across the African continent, through its flagship event ‘Unstoppable Africa’ on 21-22 September 2023 in New York, USA.

The two-day event, to be co-convened by the African Union(AU) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, serves as a pivotal forum for heads of State and Government, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, artists, athletes, and U.N. leaders to discuss and strategise the way forward for Africa’s dynamic business landscape.

This landmark event takes place as Africa’s leaders work collectively to leverage the continent’s assets, including a young population and abundant natural resources while turning challenges like climate change, energy constraints, water scarcity, and food supply into opportunities.

The initiative mirrors Africa’s aspiration to rise above challenges and embrace opportunities for positive transformation, even as GABI aims to catalyse Africa’s key role in the global marketplace.

‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a powerful affirmation of GABI’s unwavering commitment to redefining Africa’s economic narrative for Africa and the world, while the convening will facilitate solution-driven dialogues, inclusive participation, and enriching conversations and debates, all geared towards accelerating and amplifying Africa to new heights of business growth and economic transformation.

Assistant secretary-general and CEO at the UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, said: “GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in amplifying Africa’s opportunities.”

The event, she said, will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and is supported by Google, Mastercard Foundation, Summa Group, AfrExImBank, Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASRi), Rockefeller Foundation, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)  among others.

Executive director of the NBPA, Tamika Tremaglio, said: “We are thrilled to be part of GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event. Our partnership is rooted in the belief that economic growth and sustainable development in Africa are vital not only for the continent but also for the world at large.”

The NBPA’s commitment to social impact, equality, and empowerment aligns with GABI’s mission to redefine Africa’s business landscape.

The focus of this year’s agenda will revolve around three pivotal themes: Energy Access & Energy Transition, Inclusive Growth & Trade, and Digital Transformation. These themes will be explored through a series of impactful high-level keynotes, engaging fireside chats, and thought-provoking panel discussions, all of which will provide in-depth insights into the future of the continent.