Continental gatherings like the just-concluded Africa CEO Forum (ACF) are key platforms that bring together the brightest minds and most influential business leaders, government, and entrepreneurs to chart a course towards economic prosperity and sustainable development across Africa. As an annual gathering of thought leaders, decision-makers, and industry experts, the ACF creates a dynamic platform, a space for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and forging of strategic alliances that can drive innovation, private sector growth and prosperity for all Africans-shaping the economic landscape of the continent. Continental forums like ACF, empower African leaders to harness the continent’s vast potential, leverage its abundant resources, and capitalize on its diverse talent pool to drive sustainable development and create lasting impact-the African legacy. In this era of rapid globalisation and technological advancement, the Africa CEO Forum unveils the power of AI in creating Agriculture and healthcare solutions and enhancing market driven Education curriculum among others. Is Africa at the table or on the menu? This thought-provoking question challenges African leaders to critically assess their role in shaping the continent’s future, shift the narrative from being a passive recipient of external influences to becoming an active creators and driver of its own destiny. It puts to task continental decision-makers, to prioritise homegrown solutions and champion proven African innovations over simply adopting foreign models that may not fully address African unique needs and challenges. Furthermore, the theme deliberates on the significance of leveraging Africa’s abundant resources, diverse talent pool and cultural heritage to create the Continent’s table, define and prepare its menu for prosperity that is rooted in the context and realities of Africa. Ultimately, “Africa at the table or on the menu” serves as a rallying cry for African leaders to assert their agency, embrace their unique identity, and take ownership of their collective future. It challenges them to reframe their perspectives, prioritize indigenous solutions, and lead the way in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Africa for generations to come. Key Takeaways: Translating African Resources for African Beneficiaries Central to the discussions at the forum speaks of the imperative need to translate Africa’s vast resources to benefit African beneficiaries and highlights the importance of accountable leadership that goes beyond theory to deliver measurable and lasting impact in the lives of Africans. The forum reveals the significance of leveraging Africa’s natural resources, human capital (Africa has the youngest population), and cultural heritage, to address pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities for the Continent’s Social-Economic transformation. Embracing Africa’s Diversity The Forum celebrates and embraces the rich diversity of the African continent, acknowledging that Africa is not a homogeneous entity but a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. This recognition of diversity is crucial as it highlights the unique strengths and perspectives that each African nation brings to the table, enriching the collective identity of the continent. By acknowledging and valuing this diversity, the ACF promotes a culture of inclusivity and Unity of purpose that transcends borders and fosters collaboration and cooperation among African nations. The forum recognizes that diversity is not a barrier to progress but a source of strength, offering a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and talents that can drive innovation, creativity, and sustainable development across the continent. By fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity, the forum promotes cross-border partnerships and collaborations that can amplify the impact of individual efforts and create synergies that benefit all Africans. Facilitating Intra-Continental Trade A pivotal discussion at the Africa CEO Forum revolves around the inevitability intra-continental trade as a catalyst for economic growth and development across the continent. Central to this is recognizing that free visa across African states is a foundational prerequisite to a successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This call to action underscores the critical role that seamless movement of goods, services, and people play in fostering trade integration and unlocking the full economic potential of Africa. Currently, intra-continental trade in Africa accounts for less than 13% of the continent’s total trade, a stark contrast to the significantly higher levels of over 60% of intra-regional trade observed in other parts of the world such as Europe, America, and Asia. This disparity highlights the existing barriers and challenges that hinder the flow of goods and services within Africa, including complex visa requirements, cumbersome customs procedures, and inadequate infrastructure. Moreover, by removing logistical hurdles and promoting trade integration, the ACF envisions a future where African businesses can access new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and capitalize on the diverse opportunities that the continent offers. To sum-up, African forums like ACF pave the way for unleashing the continent’s full potential by promoting dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. These efforts are instrumental in driving sustainable development and shaping Africa’s Social-Economic landscape. By convening key stakeholders from the private sector players, policy makers, and civil society, the Africa CEO Forum provides a dynamic space for exchanging ideas, exploring investment opportunities, and building partnerships that can propel economic growth and social development. Ultimately, the Africa CEO Forum transcends being a mere gathering of leaders; it represents a movement towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Africa. It positions Africa not only to be a contributor At the Table, but also empowers the continent to create its own Table, where it can define the Menu according to its unique tastes and needs. The writer is the Head Investment and Social Impact at Equity Bank
