In the heart of Davos, Switzerland, the Africa Collective, in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, elevated its presence during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting from January 15-19, 2024. This wasn’t just another week; it was a dynamic platform designed to amplify and exchange ideas on Africa’s pressing matters among global leaders. The overarching goal? To delve deep into the investment climate across the African continent and tackle the challenges of doing business, all while accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Picture a week filled with high-level sessions, each gathering 50-80 influential decision-makers from both public and private sectors. The momentum kicked off with a captivating luncheon, “Paving the Way: Commodity-led Industrialization on the African Continent,” featuring insights from powerhouses like Denys Denya, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank and Eugene Mayne, CEO of Tristar Group. The stage was set for an engaging exploration of the intricate web of Africa’s economic landscape.

The program didn’t stop there; it seamlessly transitioned into a breakfast roundtable in partnership with Novartis. Here, the discussion centered around “Moving the needle: From health ‘spend’ to healthcare as an investment,” boasting interventions by H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of AfCFTA Secretariat, and Angela Gichaga, Founder & President of Financing Alliance for Health. A digital & art showcase networking cocktail followed, bringing together global leaders, African artists, and startups in a melting pot of innovation and collaboration.

The partnership with Standard Bank fueled the final breakfast roundtable, exploring “’Unleashing potential: Africa’s place in attracting future allocation of capital pools.” Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group, and Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, added their voices to this riveting conversation.

As the week drew to a close, the customary Africa Collective closing & outlook luncheon took center stage. Themed “Navigating Business Realities for Scalable African Solutions,” the panel, featuring luminaries like H.E. Bosun Tijani and Nonkululeko Nyembezi, delved into how the public and private sectors can unlock concrete opportunities on the continent. Invited private sector leaders provided real-life examples, making the conversation tangible and actionable.

The resounding lessons from this powerhouse week echoed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. Strong institutions and regulatory harmonization were identified as cornerstones for creating a favorable business environment. The AfCFTA, hailed as an enabler, requires active participation from the private sector to truly blossom. Furthermore, the crucial role of physical and digital infrastructure in driving industrialization and value chains across sectors was emphasized.

The Africa Collective, with Lead Partners Novartis and Standard Bank Group, alongside Corporate Partners such as Old Mutual Limited and Tristar Group, steered these discussions. Media powerhouses Business Insider Africa, CNBC Africa, and African Business ensured extensive coverage and moderation throughout the week.

As the echoes of Davos subside, the Africa Collective sets its sights on the future. With a 12-month leadup to Africa Collective Davos 2025, the journey continues, marked by a commitment to be present at key events on the African continent, fostering a network of actionable exchange and collaboration on African opportunities. The resonance of this week will undoubtedly reverberate as a catalyst for transformative change in the African business landscape.

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