Africa is stepping firmly onto the global economic stage, and the world is being invited not just to observe—but to partner. This message lies at the heart of Unstoppable Africa 2025, the flagship event of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), set to take place in New York on September 21–22 during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Under the theme “The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets,” the forum will bring together African heads of state, global business leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to chart a bold new trajectory for the continent’s role in shaping global markets amid shifting trade dynamics and rising geopolitical uncertainty.
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, described the gathering as timely and transformative. “The markets will be defined by Africa’s trajectory,” she said at a media briefing, emphasizing that decisions made in this moment will resonate far beyond the continent. “Africa is unstoppable. It is at the center of so many opportunities. Global business and investors should look at Africa as a partner—and come to do business with Africa, not in Africa.”
Organized by the UN Global Compact and co-convened with the United Nations and the African Union Commission, Unstoppable Africa 2025 stands as the premier African business forum outside the continent. Hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the event positions Africa not as a recipient of investment but as an architect of future markets—leveraging its vast natural resources, youthful population, and growing innovation ecosystems to become a central engine of global growth.
With critical minerals like cobalt and lithium essential to the green energy transition, expansive solar and wind potential, underutilized arable land, and the world’s youngest workforce, Africa’s wealth is undeniable. But the challenge—and opportunity—lies in capturing value locally. The agenda focuses on accelerating investment into infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and regional trade integration, with a clear goal: moving up the global value chain by manufacturing more within Africa, building resilient industries, and creating products for both domestic and international demand.
Central to this vision is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to increase intra-African trade by 45% by 2045. By reducing reliance on third-party markets and fostering internal supply chains, AfCFTA offers a roadmap for economic self-determination—one that Unstoppable Africa 2025 aims to advance through high-level dialogue and actionable partnerships.
This year’s edition promises to be one of the most visionary yet, reframing global disruptions—from supply chain realignments to climate change—as strategic advantages. Sessions will explore how Africa can lead in innovation, harness the power of youth and creative industries, and attract long-term, impact-driven capital.
Confirmed speakers include President Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, President Duma Boko of Botswana, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and President João Lourenço of Angola. They will be joined by influential business leaders such as Peter Ndegwa (Safaricom), Luol Deng, Selim Bora (SUMMA), Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (DP World), James Manyika (Google), James Mwangi (Equity Group), Olivier Laouchez (Trace), Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa (Naspers), Mpumi Madisa (Bidvest), chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Strive Masiyiwa (Econet & Cassava). Actor and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha will host the event’s gala dinner.
The conference is supported by a diverse coalition of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Afreximbank, Bidvest, the Middle East Green Initiative, Sustainable Energy for All Mission 300, and PepsiCo. Gold Sponsors include the Africa CEO Forum, African Development Bank Group, Africa Finance Corporation, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Meta, Safaricom, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Silver Sponsors feature Africa 50, Climate Works Foundation, FMN Group, Helios Towers, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Official media partners include African Business, Arise News, Business Day, E & M, Electrify Video, SDG News, Nation Media Group, News Central TV, and Wall Street Africa.
In the lead-up to the event, GABI has launched the What Makes Africa Unstoppable campaign, inviting global voices to share their perspectives—including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. In partnership with Electrify Video Partners Foundation, GABI has also created an Unstoppable Africa YouTube channel, which will livestream the event to a global audience.
Ian Shepherd, Co-CEO of Electrify Video Partners, said the initiative aims to spotlight Africa’s untold stories: “Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest, most creative, and most entrepreneurial minds. We’re excited to use our YouTube expertise to share these inspirational narratives with the world.”
While attendance in New York is by invitation only, virtual participation is open to the public via registration on the official platform—ensuring that Unstoppable Africa 2025 is not just a gathering of elites, but a global conversation about equity, innovation, and shared prosperity.
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