Unstoppable Africa 2025 Agenda
AU-SG African Leaders Dialogue (Closed Door Event)
09:45 - 10:25
This year, an exclusive High-Level GABI AU-SG African Leaders Dialogue will be hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres and co-hosted by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. This high-level roundtable convenes African private sector leaders to engage in a dialogue with the UN Secretary General and the AUC Chairperson with the aim of providing actionable solutions that could inform the SG and the UN Global Compact on their engagement with African Heads of Government on African business and investment matters.
Introduction by MCs
09:00 - 09:10
Speaker(s)
Fireside: With Global Trade Rules Torn Up… How does Africa Trade Up?
09:10 - 09:30
“We are in a very tough geopolitical landscape. This is a clarion call for us to truly look to ourselves.” The Director of the WTO puts it bluntly: With global challenges reshaping economies, Africa must unite. In this scene setting fireside chat some of the world’s biggest thinkers on global trade explore how Africa can leverage its unique position to drive business and trade. Topics will include strengthening trade agreements, enhancing digital transformation, and fostering innovation ecosystems. The session will highlight actionable strategies for unlocking Africa's economic potential, ensuring resilience, and positioning the continent as a global business powerhouse, ensuring long-term prosperity for all.
Opening Panel: The Value Revolution: Africa’s Ascent in the Critical Minerals Economy
09:30 - 10:10
Africa’s critical minerals-lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper, rare earths, and more-are not only powering the global energy transition but are also indispensable for the digital and tech revolution worldwide. These minerals are essential for manufacturing semiconductors, advanced electronics, and AI hardware in Asia and beyond, fueling growth in sectors like chip production, data centers, and communication devices. As global industries-from automotive to consumer electronics and defense - compete for secure, value-added mineral supply, Africa’s opportunity lies in moving up the value chain through beneficiation, processing, and technology-driven innovation. This session explores how Africa can become a linchpin for global technology, energy, and aerospace industries, shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive minerals ecosystem.
Unstoppable Africans: Mr. Luol Deng
09:55 - 10:15
Step into the Unstoppable African fireside chat with two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng—a moment where resilience meets inspiration. From fleeing war-torn Sudan as a child to becoming a global basketball icon, Deng’s journey is a testament to unstoppable spirit. Off the court, he empowers youth and champions peace in South Sudan, building courts, hospitals, and hope through his foundation. Now, Deng’s impact extends to the business world, where his real estate and energy ventures are transforming communities across continents. Witness a living legend whose vision for Africa’s future is as bold as his past is inspiring.
Official Opening Video: Keeping Africa Unstoppable
Official Opening Remarks: Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Global Compact
Speaker(s)
Official Opening Remarks: António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
Speaker(s)
António Guterres
Official Opening Remarks: H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
HIGH-LEVEL PANEL: The BIG PUSH: How Does Africa Shape the Markets?
11:00 - 11:40
Step into the Unstoppable Africa 2025 High Level Opening Panel which asks the burning question: How Does Africa Shape the Markets? This is a powerhouse conversation where an African head of state, a global leader, and top CEOs connect purpose and pragmatism. Against a backdrop of fertile land, untapped solar might, and vital metals and minerals, this high-level panel will ignite strategies to boost local industry, champion the AfCFTA, and unlock bold investments. With Africa’s dynamic youth leading the charge, the panel explores how new partnerships and cutting-edge innovation can transform untapped resources into world-class opportunities. The message is clear: Africa’s Big Push is unstoppable—and the moment is now.
SCENE SETTER: Financing Power, Powering Change: Africa’s Energy Revolution in Motion
12:00 - 12:05
Fireside Chat: By Africa, For Africa: Financing a Green Industrial Revolution
12:05 - 12:25
Get ready for a dynamic conversation where Africa’s top financial minds ignite the continent’s industrial revolution, unleashing green energy investment as the catalyst. This is about bold, homegrown solutions that channel Africa’s own pension funds, sovereign wealth and the transformative efforts of development banks into vibrant local markets, turbocharging entrepreneurial ambition and sustainable power. With innovative financial tools tailored to local realities, Africa is seizing control of its green future now—fueled by its own vision, capital, and unstoppable energy.
Special Address
12:25 - 12:30
PANEL: Innovating Energy, Transforming Industry - Africa’s Way Forward
12:30 - 13:10
In this electrifying exchange leading voices in energy will chart Africa’s trailblazing course in the global energy transition—putting agency, innovation, and ambition at the heart of the conversation. We dive into what makes African models for mobility, renewables, carbon markets, grid-scale projects, and green hydrogen uniquely powerful—revealing strategies that turn local ingenuity into global advantage. Discover how pioneers are reimagining informal economies, securing breakthrough carbon deals, rapidly financing infrastructure, and placing livelihoods and local value at the center of scale.
Unstoppable African
14:10 - 14:30
These fast-paced, conversational spotlights offer the audience a chance to hear directly from some of the most inspiring Africans driving change across the continent. Through powerful visuals—photos, video, and other media—each speaker will highlight the issues they care most deeply about and the solutions they are championing to make Africa unstoppable.
PANEL: Turning Disruption Into Opportunity: How Business Navigates a New World of Trade
14:30 - 15:10
In the face of rising trade barriers and global uncertainty, this lively panel brings together some of Africa’s most forward-thinking business leaders for a candid conversation about navigating today’s unpredictable global trade environment. Hear firsthand how they’re leveraging technology and digital innovation to sidestep bottlenecks and break into new markets. Listen as they discuss the momentum behind regional integration through the AfCFTA, and how it’s helping to boost intra-African trade while building more resilient supply chains.
Major Spotlight
15:10 - 15:25
PANEL: Opportunity Unlocks: Big Investment Ideas to Build Resilient Industries and Supply Chains in a Volatile World
15:25 - 16:15
In an era of global volatility, Africa presents a high-potential but undercapitalized investment frontier. This panel will bring together influential business leaders and policymakers to uncover how the continent can attract hard-to-find capital and accelerate economic transformation—even amid fierce economic headwinds. With Africa’s annual financing gap for infrastructure and broader development exceeding $170 billion, the discussion will focus on bold strategies to unlock both private and public investment to drive industrial growth in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
PANEL: Power Moves: Fireside with Female Changemakers
16:30 - 17:00
Join some of the world’s most influential female leaders for a dynamic exchange on the frontlines of global affairs and trade. As geopolitical tensions and economic shocks ripple across continents, these trailblazers-presidents, prime ministers, and financial titans-ignite bold strategies for inclusive growth, resilient economies, and gender parity. Their visionary dialogue spotlights the urgent need for cooperation and innovation, forging a path toward a fairer, more sustainable world in turbulent times. This powerhouse session is dedicated to empowering women for leadership, inspiring new strategies to drive resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth across borders.
Welcome by MCs
09:00 - 09:05
Speaker(s)
Unstoppable Africans
09:05 - 09:20
These fast-paced, conversational spotlights offer the audience a chance to hear directly from some of the most inspiring Africans driving change across the continent. Through powerful visuals—photos, video, and other media—each speaker will highlight the issues they care most deeply about and the solutions they are championing to make Africa unstoppable.
PANEL: Trade Winds of Change: Africa’s New Agency in Global South Alliances
09:20 - 10:00
Africa’s emergence as a pivotal player in global markets is reshaping the dynamics of South-South cooperation. This panel will examine how African nations can harness these partnerships to strengthen business and trade ties amid volatility and shifting power balances. Take the expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for example, which promises a 45% increase in intra-African trade by 2045. As global alliances diversify, Africa is leveraging its agency to negotiate better terms, foster regional value chains, and attract investment in key industries such as green energy and manufacturing. The discussion will focus on actionable strategies to deepen South-South ties, promote resilience, and position Africa as a leader in the new multipolar order.
PANEL: From Analytics to Acceleration - The Art of Dealmaking And The Power of Networking When African Business Connects with the World
10:00 - 10:40
This high-level panel - convened by the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) - brings together a dynamic group of African and global business leaders to explore how coordinated private-sector action can unlock investment, drive climate and gender equality, and create new business opportunities. The focus is on strategic dealmaking, cross-border partnerships, and the role of business networks and platforms in accelerating impact and growth—moving beyond sustainability metrics to real-world business opportunities, investment flows, and scalable solutions for a sustainable business future.
PANEL: City Power: How African and US Mayors Are Driving Private Sector Success
10:40 - 11:10
In 2025, cities across Africa and the US are tackling big issues like job creation, sustainable growth, and making sure everyone benefits. With Mayors and governors leading the charge, this eclectic mix of Subnational leaders from Africa and the USA will swap real-world solutions for how they are rolling out business funds, upgrading digital infrastructure, and teaming up with the private sector to create jobs and build resilience. In a rare, cross-continental conversation on how local leaders can drive global business success, this session spotlights standout programs and dig into how US-Africa partnerships are opening doors in tech, green energy, and the creative world. Expect a lively debate on scaling impact, keeping things sustainable, and tapping into each community’s unique strengths.
The Panel of the Future: Homegrown Tech, Global Impact
11:10 - 11:45
Step into the ‘Panel of the Future’, launching UA2025’s Digital Transformation with an exclusive one-on-one conversation featuring Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. He will reflect on Rwanda’s leadership in digital transformation and its role as host of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali last April-a milestone that positioned the nation at the forefront of Africa’s tech ambitions. This opening discussion sets the tone for a dynamic panel that delves into Africa’s vast innovation potential and the urgency of translating tech-driven strategies into real-world progress to shape the continent’s future.
Major Announcement: Launch of A GABI Action Pathway
PANEL: Strive for Africa’s AI: Visions from Strive Masiyiwa and Global Tech Leaders
12:00 - 12:40
Strive Masiyiwa, the visionary entrepreneur behind Econet Group, has long championed Africa’s digital transformation. As AI reshapes industries globally, Africa stands at a crossroads: will it be a mere consumer of AI technologies, or will it become a leader in AI innovation? This high-impact panel will explore Masiyiwa’s strategic vision for AI in Africa, focusing on investment, infrastructure, and ethical AI deployment. This discussion will uncover opportunities for Africa to develop homegrown AI solutions, build talent pipelines and align startups with access to computing power, and create AI-driven businesses that serve both local and global markets. The session will also explore public private partnerships as well as what it takes to create a multi-billion dollar Africa AI fund.
Unstoppable Africans: Mr. Silas Adekunle, Inventor and Technology Eentrepreneur
12:40 - 12:55
Meet Silas Adekunle, a trailblazing young inventor and technology entrepreneur who’s redefining the future of interactive play. Imagine a world where robotics and gaming collide, creating experiences that are not just entertaining, but also intelligent and adaptive. That’s the world Silas has been building. Silas is best known for creating the world’s first intelligent gaming robot, a breakthrough that’s captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. His passion for innovation started early, and his journey is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets cutting-edge engineering.
PANEL: Silicon Valley meets Digital Africa
12:55 - 13:30
This panel explores how African tech startups can connect with Silicon Valley’s - and other - tech and investor communities, fostering cross-border collaboration, funding, and knowledge exchange. Experts will discuss strategies for attracting U.S. investors, navigating cultural and market differences, and building sustainable partnerships to accelerate Africa’s growing tech ecosystem and global impact.
Fireside Chat: How Sports Can Drive Africa’s Economic Growth (AFCON)
PANEL: From Podium to Prosperity: Leveraging African Sporting Excellence to Build a Billion-Dollar Industry
14:30 - 15:10
Africa’s sporting talent is dazzling the world, with athletes breaking records and dominating global competitions in football, athletics, basketball, and beyond. Yet, the continent’s sports industry—currently valued at $12 billion and projected to reach $20 billion by 2035—remains an underdeveloped economic powerhouse. This panel will explore how Africa can harness the global success of its athletes to catalyze a thriving sports industry at home, creating jobs, businesses, and global brands. The discussion will bring together star sports people, sports entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to debate actionable strategies. Panelists will challenge the audience to reimagine African sport not just as a source of pride, but as a driver of economic transformation, youth empowerment, and global influence.
Unstoppable Africans
15:30 - 15:45
These fast-paced, conversational spotlights offer the audience a chance to hear directly from some of the most inspiring Africans driving change across the continent. Through powerful visuals—photos, video, and other media—each speaker will highlight the issues they care most deeply about and the solutions they are championing to make Africa unstoppable.
PANEL: Creative Economy with CANEX
15:45 - 16:15
PANEL: From Bedroom Beats to Global Streets: How Africa’s DIY Hitmakers Are Disrupting the Industry
16:15 - 16:50
The African music scene is exploding with young, fearless artists rewriting the rules. Forget waiting for a big label-these creators are going full DIY, using digital tools, social media, and smart distribution to take their sound global. Platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and TikTok are their launchpads, letting them connect directly with fans, share authentic stories, and experiment freely. The result? Viral hits, genre-bending collabs, and a fast-growing worldwide fanbase. This session breaks down the winning DIY playbook: from eye-catching YouTube storytelling and TikTok fan engagement to affordable distribution services that let artists keep 100% of their royalties and navigate the complex world of music rights and publishing deals. These independents aren’t just surviving-they’re topping charts, selling out tours, and shaping global trends. But to unlock Africa’s full creative power, more investment is needed-from local entrepreneurs, international labels, and tech innovators. We’ll also explore boosting skills with business training, expanding access to digital tools, and opening new markets across Africa and beyond.
Launch of the GABI Women’s Fashion Leader’s Business Platform
16:50 - 17:30
Get ready for a game-changing moment at Unstoppable Africa 2025! Join us as we officially launch the Women Fashion Leaders’ Business Platform, powered by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI). This event kicks off with a dynamic panel featuring trailblazers: Omoyemi Akelere, Alia Bare, Reni Folawiyo, Kibonen Nfi, and Iona McCreath. Together, they will unpack how women are reshaping sustainable fashion and cross-regional trade from Africa to Asia. Then, witness the onstage launch of this bold new platform set to supercharge women-led fashion businesses across the Global South. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of creativity, collaboration, and unstoppable ambition!
ADDRESS: Appreciations and the Road Ahead
17:30 - 17:40
Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General & CEO, UN Global Compact (UNGC)
- H.E. Mrs. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) African Union Commission (AUC)
CLOSING PANEL: Unstoppable Africans Diamond Session with DSG
17:40 - 18:00
In the final session of Unstoppable Africa 2025, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, will welcome an eclectic selection of some of the dynamic young speakers to the stage to crystallise the essence of the two days of forum and what they will do to make Africa Unstoppable.