The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) recently organised a two-day event themed ‘Unstoppable Africa’, which brought together stakeholders and prominent Africans to strategies ways to make Africa unstoppable in all spheres of business, social and economic life. The event was hosted on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and it coincided with the African Union’s meetings.
The Global Africa Business Initiative intends to leverage Africa’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. Africa’s aspiration to rise above its challenges and embrace opportunities for positive transformation was noted during the event.
According to Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, GABI’s event demonstrates “the power of collaboration and innovation in amplifying Africa’s opportunities.” Meanwhile, Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), describes the partnership with GABI as rooted in a belief that “economic growth and sustainable development in Africa are vital not only for the continent but also for the world at large.”
The event is in tune with Africa Giant recent report noting that “African technology is on the rise“. It details various African countries’ increased use of technology to stimulate business growth, such as in Nigeria, where Fintech firms raised a total of $1.2 billion in investment within two years (2020-2022). The report also hails Rwanda’s investment in a “smart city” project, as well as the Ethiopian and Egyptian governments’ efforts to promote technology education and development.
GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event appears to reflect Africa’s growing recognition as a potential leader in business and technology, and its concerted efforts to transform challenges into opportunities. As stakeholders and Africans strategies on the way forward, the event may signify a turning point in how the continent is perceived across the world.
