As old trade systems unravel and global markets face increasing instability, Africa is no longer waiting to be invited into the conversation—it is rewriting the script. The continent is emerging as the engine that will shape future economies, and this shift is at the heart of the Global Africa Business Initiative’s flagship conference, Unstoppable Africa 2025, themed “The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets.”
Speaking at a pre-event briefing, Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, described the moment as pivotal:
“Africa is unstoppable. The continent is at the centre of so many opportunities. Global businesses and investors should look at Africa as a partner and come to do business with Africa, not in Africa.”
A Global Stage for Africa’s Ambitions
Unstoppable Africa—co-convened by the United Nations and the African Union Commission—will run on September 21–22 in New York, alongside the 80th UN General Assembly. Hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, it is regarded as the premier platform for African business outside the continent.
The forum will unite heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, investors, innovators, and cultural icons to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. With a focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and regional integration, the agenda positions Africa as a key architect of tomorrow’s global economy.
Turning Resources into Global Value
Africa’s wealth is undeniable: cobalt, lithium, solar energy, fertile land, and the world’s youngest workforce. But what will define the continent’s trajectory is how these resources are transformed into sustainable industries. The rallying cry is clear—Africa must climb up the value chain, producing and exporting finished goods instead of raw commodities.
At the centre of this push is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to boost intra-African trade by 45% by 2045. AfCFTA offers a clear pathway to reduce reliance on external markets and create a strong, unified African economic bloc.
From Global Disruption to Strategic Advantage
This year’s edition of Unstoppable Africa is designed to be one of the most forward-looking. Rather than seeing global disruption as a setback, the forum will explore how Africa can turn volatility into opportunity, from harnessing youth-led innovation to expanding creative industries.
Confirmed speakers reflect the event’s breadth:
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Presidents Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), Duma Boko (Botswana), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), João Lourenço (Angola)
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Global CEOs and leaders such as Peter Ndegwa (Safaricom), Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (DP World), James Manyika (Google), James Mwangi (Equity Group), Mpumi Madisa (Bidvest), Strive Masiyiwa (Econet & Cassava), Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa (Naspers), and Olivier Laouchez (Trace).
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The gala dinner will be hosted by actor and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha, with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson bringing culinary flair.
Backed by Global Partnerships
The initiative has attracted sponsorship from across sectors:
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Platinum Sponsors: Afreximbank, Bidvest, Middle East Green Initiative, Sustainable Energy for All, Mission 300, PepsiCo.
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Gold Sponsors: African Development Bank Group, Africa CEO Forum, Africa Finance Corporation, DRC, Meta, Safaricom, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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Silver Sponsors: Africa 50, FMN Group, Helios Towers, ClimateWorks Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation.
Africa Shapes the Markets
The message is bold yet clear: Africa is no longer defined by what the world can extract, but by what it can create, trade, and lead. Decisions taken at Unstoppable Africa 2025 will ripple far beyond the continent, influencing the trajectory of global markets for decades to come.
Africa is not waiting for the future—it is shaping it.
