UN Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) opens in New York
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), the leading platform for promoting business, trade, and investment across the continent, is pleased to announce the lineup for its flagship event ‘Unstoppable Africa’ on 21-22 September 2023.
The two-day event, to be co-convened by the African Union 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 strategize 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.
GABI aims to catalyze 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. 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.
Confirmed Participants
The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic business ecosystem. To date, some of the confirmed speakers and participants include:
H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal
H.E. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of Botswana
H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah, President, AfrExImBank
Samalia Zubairu, President & CEO of the African Finance Corporation, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of the BUA Group, Selim Bora, President, Summa, Folorunso Alakija, Vice-Chairman, FAMFA Oil Limited and Managing Director, The Rose of Sharon Group, Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, The Rockefeller Foundation, Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Spike Lee, filmmaker and actor, United States, Acha Leke, Chairman and Senior Partner at McKinsey&Company, James Manyika, Senior Vice-President, Google, Dr James Mwangi, CEO & Managing Director, Equity Group Holdings
Strauss Zelnick, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two Interactive, Brian Menell, CEO and Chairman of TechMet Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director, Kofi Annan Foundation, Moky Makura, Executive Director at Africa No Filter, Caroline Wanga, President&CEO, Essence Ventures; Co-Founder of Wanga Woman LLC, Baaba Maal, recording artist, Senegal, Asisat Oshoala, Professional Footballer, Nigeria