Press Release

2023 AFRICA CEO FORUM to be held June 5-6 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire to help shape Africa’s response to global crises

May 8, 2023

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, May 9, 2023 –The 2023 edition of the AFRICA CEO FORUM will take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on June 5th, and 6th, 2023.  Under the theme "Navigating the Crises – From 300 to 3000: How to Deliver the Next Generation of African Champions", the event will offer concrete and innovative solutions to boost the number of African companies with billion-dollar turnovers despite a backdrop of polycrisis and global uncertainty.

Africa's largest annual private sector gathering will bring together more than 1,800 African and international business leaders and senior government officials. The objective of the event is to tackle the ambitious challenge of how to turn crisis into advantage, urgently and sustainably.

Featuring strategic roundtables, expert panel discussions, exclusive interviews with CEOs, and high-level working groups, the AFRICA CEO FORUM 2023 will offer dynamic sessions that will allow participants to put forward solutions that can fast-track the emergence of the next generation of African champions.

Co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, the AFRICA CEO FORUM will also focus on key topic areas: how to lead an Africa-adapted energy transition, the local impact of mining and agribusiness, the need for African voices on major global issues, and how companies can adapt to the inflation crisis. All major sectors will be represented, with several sessions dedicated to women leaders, family businesses, and start-ups. Some 50 innovative companies that have collectively raised more than $1 billion are expected. 

"The ongoing state of crisis we are facing emphasizes the need for an economic climate that is conducive to the emergence of a new generation of African champions. These champions are symbols of resilience and innovation in key sectors, from agri-food, to energy, to artificial intelligence. From 300 champions today, we believe that this number should be increased to 3000 to truly transform the continent. Giving voice to a proud and sovereign Africa on the international scene, through the creation of public-private synergies, is once again at the heart of our mission," said Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the AFRICA CEO FORUM, and CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group.

"Africa has the capacity and commitment to emerge stronger from the spate of global economic challenges. Achieving this will require cooperation and collaboration between Africa's private and public sectors. IFC will continue to champion Africa and help leverage the continent's strengths to fight climate change, boost food security, and drive sustainable and inclusive growth," said Makhtar Diop, IFC's Managing Director.

Register here to attend the AFRICA CEO Forum.

About IFC

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. IFC works in more than 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

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Contacts

Kristina Nwazota
Nairobi
+254 793 263 740 or +1 202-422-2408