By Emmanuel Babafemi
The 11th edition of the Africa CEO Forum kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 16-17, 2024, a two-day summit bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Africa and around the world. The forum, co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is the largest international meeting of the African private sector.
It will feature conferences, debates, and high-level meetings dedicated to highlighting the driving role of the private sector in the development of the continent. Prominent attendees include more than 1,000 CEOs, 75 Presidents and Ministers, and 200 journalists from 73 countries.
The event provides a platform for accessing high-level networking, seizing new business opportunities, and adapting strategies to the latest economic and geopolitical trends. The Africa CEO Forum 2024 is themed “At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa.” It aims to tackle four transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing.
Notably, former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has been a regular participant at the Africa CEO Forum, both during his time in government and after leaving office on May 29, 2023. His consistent presence at this prestigious event highlights his enduring influence and commitment to driving Africa’s economic progress.
In 2019, while still serving as Vice President, Osinbajo attended the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, where he joined President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and other business and political leaders in the opening panel, discussing the topic “Economic Sovereignty: From Ambition to Action.”
Even after leaving office in 2023, Osinbajo continues to be a sought-after figure at the Africa CEO Forum. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development make him a valuable contributor to the discussions and initiatives that shape the continent’s economic future.
At this year’s Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Osinbajo is expected to leverage his influence and expertise to champion Africa’s potential to become a global leader in green energy adoption. As a Global Advisor at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, (GEAPP), Osinbajo has emphasised the importance of achieving climate-positive development trajectories for African economies.
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In essence, Osinbajo’s participation at the forum underscores the critical role of the private sector in driving the clean energy transition. He will likely highlight the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources and call for catalysing private capital to scale up clean energy initiatives in Africa.
The influence of Nigeria’s former second-in-command in Africa’s leadership landscape is rooted in his advocacy for climate-positive economic growth and his role as a peace icon. His participation at the Africa CEO Forum allows him to foster partnerships, promote dialogue, and champion initiatives that drive economic progress, intra-African trade, and investment on the continent.
It is good to note that Prof. Osinbajo holds significant influence in Africa’s leadership landscape, embodying a commitment to peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development. His role as a peace icon and advocate for climate-positive economic growth positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping Africa’s future trajectory.
Hence, at gatherings like the Africa CEO Forum, Osinbajo’s impact lies in fostering partnerships, promoting dialogue, and championing initiatives that drive economic progress, intra-African trade, and investment on the continent. His presence symbolises a dedication to innovative strategies that uplift Africa’s economic status and propel the continent towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
So, the fact that Osinbajo remains a key participant at the Africa CEO Forum, even after leaving government, underscores the respect and admiration he commands from the continent’s business and political leaders. His continued involvement in this prestigious event demonstrates the enduring nature of his influence and the value that others place on his insights and leadership.
