Unstoppable Africa 2025

The BIG Push: Africa’s Time to Shape the Markets

The world is changing fast: trade wars, shifting alliances, and supply chain disruptions are transforming global trade and business. For Africa, this is not just a challenge—it’s a call to action. Africa must seize this moment to take control, shape its own destiny, and, most importantly, define its own markets. This urgency is at the heart of this year’s Unstoppable Africa theme: The BIG Push: Africa’s Time to Shape the Markets. 

Unstoppable Africa stands as the leading African-convened business forum outside the continent. Hosted by United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union, the event will take place on 21-22 September, 2025 on the margins of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. Bringing together African and global heads of state, business leaders, and top investors, Unstoppable Africa aims to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation and empower Africa to lead in shaping the markets of tomorrow.

Africa is uniquely blessed. The continent boasts some of the world’s most fertile arable land—an untapped resource that can feed millions and power agro-industries. On top of that, Africa is bathed in abundant solar energy. These natural endowments—among the best in the world—position Africa as a future powerhouse in food and renewable energy.

Africa also holds essential raw materials the world desperately needs: cobalt, lithium, gold, and rare earth elements. Yet, for too long, these have been exported in raw form, only for Africa to buy back finished products at a premium. To break this cycle, Africa must move up the value chain by processing minerals and manufacturing goods locally. This shift will create jobs, retain wealth, and make Africa a key player in global supply chains.

Africa’s greatest asset is its people, especially its youth. With the world’s youngest population, the continent is bursting with talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Empowering informal traders and entrepreneurs through better infrastructure, digital tools, and supportive policies will unlock new markets, boost tax revenues, and build resilient businesses.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a game-changer. By lowering tariffs and creating a single market, AfCFTA can supercharge intra-African trade and reduce reliance on volatile global markets. Supporting seamless cross-border trade will expand customer bases and attract investment, allowing Africa to chart its own economic course.

Innovation is already taking root. North Africa’s solar farms are exporting clean energy to Europe, while entrepreneurs across the continent use digital platforms to overcome old barriers and reach global markets. This Forum will explore how Africa can adapt to global changes and lead in areas like Energy, Digital Transformation, Trade, the Creative Economy, and Sport. 

Key topics include:

• Building African-led global partnerships

• Maximizing AfCFTA for regional trade and value chains

• Strengthening digital and technological innovation

• Driving self-sufficiency in key industries

• Positioning Africa as a global investment hub

• Investing in education and skills development

• Supporting the creative sector

The message is clear: Our beautiful continent must forge new partnerships, attract bold investments, and build world-class industries. By acting decisively, Africa can turn global disruptions into opportunities for growth and leadership. 

Unstoppable Africa: The time for Africa’s Big Push is now!