Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has highlighted the crucial role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and inclusive trade in unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential. GABI emphasizes that these strategies are essential for spurring economic growth, reducing poverty, and creating jobs across the continent.
Ahead of its 2024 flagship event, “Unstoppable Africa: The Solution for a Global Future,” GABI underscored the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to benefit all economic sectors. The two-day event, scheduled for September 25-26 in New York, coincides with the UN General Assembly and will feature influential leaders from both the public and private sectors. The forum aims to position Africa as a leader in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.
This year’s “Unstoppable Africa” will be held alongside the Summit of the Future, highlighting Africa’s economic resilience and potential. The event will serve as a platform for presenting innovative solutions to urgent global issues, including energy transitions, sustainable power access, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, which organizes GABI, remarked, “With a market valued at over $3 trillion, Africa is set for unprecedented growth. Africa’s GDP growth rate is projected to surpass the global average, with estimates of 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025.”
Ojiambo added, “GABI emerged from the realization that while the world has been engaging with Africa, it has not always done so inclusively. Our goal is to rebalance this dynamic. GABI is not just a forum but a solution-oriented platform dedicated to shaping Africa’s business future. Our mission is to Convene, Connect, Catalyse, and Convey.”
The event will also address topics such as clean energy, the digital revolution, sports, and African creativity. As Africa enhances its role in the G20 and BRICS, it is set to gain greater global significance. Despite economic challenges, Africa’s economy is expected to grow at rates exceeding the global average, with projections of 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025.
Confirmed speakers for the event include Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Aliko Dangote, Founder and CEO of Dangote Group; and Selim Bora, Chair of Summa International Construction.
“Unstoppable Africa” aims to unite Africa’s dynamic leaders and global partners on a platform dedicated to collaboration and actionable commitments. By fostering investments, partnerships, and opportunities, the event will showcase Africa’s potential to drive significant change and provide impactful solutions to global challenges.
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