Africa must retain its financial resources and invest in its industrial future, urged Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, at the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum in New York. Addressing global business leaders, he expressed concern that Africa would struggle to achieve economic strength while its capital continues to flow abroad.
Dangote highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for creating large-scale industrial projects and insisted that businesses must remain committed despite challenges. “Once you start, it gets easier. But the more you don’t do anything, it becomes difficult,” he said.
The two-day forum, attended by over 3,000 African and international business leaders and officials, showcased significant global interest in Africa’s economic prospects. The South African Business Initiative for Impact (SABII) was emphasised, showcasing local opportunities for global investment.
Eine Zeidane, Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund, underlined the need for structural reforms and robust domestic financial markets to entice private investment.
The discussions also highlighted Africa’s burgeoning digital economy, with Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, stressing the importance of a young, connected population leveraging digital technologies. Elly Savatia, Founder and CEO of Signverse, discussed an initiative supported by $2 million in Google funding aimed at promoting African sign languages.
On a sporting note, H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, signed a partnership with the Queens of the Continent Foundation, founded by WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike, to support youth empowerment, especially for girls and women.
The creative sector also featured prominently, with experts discussing how African brands and filmmakers are increasingly reaching global audiences. Khanyi Mashimbiye from Afreximbank highlighted the CANEX programme, which has facilitated over 120 agreements for African fashion brands since 2022.
Concluding the forum, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed remarked on the potential for technology and AI to define Africa’s future, calling for the necessary infrastructure and investment to unlock opportunities and talent.
As discussions wrapped up, focus shifted towards actionable strategies for harnessing Africa’s economic potential to generate jobs and sustainable growth.
