Delegates from across Africa and beyond convened at the Kigali Convention Centre for the opening of the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, one of the continent’s leading platforms for dialogue on business, investment, and economic transformation.
The forum has brought together heads of companies, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore opportunities for strengthening regional integration, scaling investment, and accelerating sustainable growth across Africa.
Speaking during the opening session, Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector in unlocking Africa’s full economic potential.
“The global economy is changing rapidly. Capital is more selective, financing is more expensive, supply chains are being reorganised, and technology is transforming every sector,” he said.
Despite global economic shifts, Afrika noted that Africa continues to present significant opportunities driven by its youthful population, expanding urban centres, growing consumer markets, and increasing innovation across industries.
“Africa’s demographic opportunity is becoming impossible to ignore: a young and growing population, expanding cities, rising consumption, and a workforce that will shape the global economy in the decades ahead,” he stated.
He stressed that the continent’s next phase of development will depend on building competitive companies, improving infrastructure, deepening financial markets, and creating cross-border platforms that make it easier for businesses to invest, trade, and expand across African economies.
Afrika further highlighted the need for governments to create predictable business environments and reduce barriers to investment, while encouraging the private sector to continue driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth.
“It also means governments and the private sector working differently together: governments creating predictability and reducing friction, and the private sector investing, innovating, taking risk, and helping build the champions Africa needs,” he added.
The opening of the forum reflected growing confidence in Africa’s economic future, with leaders expressing optimism about the continent’s ability to position itself as a key player in the evolving global economy. Discussions throughout the event are expected to focus on industrialisation, digital transformation, energy transition, infrastructure development, and financing solutions aimed at supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.
Rwanda’s hosting of the Africa CEO Forum further reinforces Kigali’s growing reputation as a regional hub for international conferences, investment dialogue, and business innovation. The event also highlights the country’s continued efforts to promote a conducive environment for investment and private sector development.
The forum is expected to continue from today, 14th to 15th May, with high-level panel discussions, strategic partnerships, and networking sessions aimed at advancing Africa’s economic ambitions and strengthening collaboration across the continent.
