The Africa CEO Forum 2016
In the heart of Côte d’Ivoire, the vibrant city of Abidjan played host to the fourth edition of the Africa CEO Forum, organized by GROUPE Jeune Afrique. The prestigious event unfolded at the luxurious Sofitel Hôtel at Hôtel Ivoire from March 21 to 22, 2016, under the overarching theme, “New Reality, New Priority.” This gathering proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 1000 participants from 63 countries, including 43 African nations. The event served as a critical platform for CEOs, ministers, diplomats, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions about the current state of the African economy and chart the way forward in an increasingly volatile global context.
Global Participation and Collaboration
The Africa CEO Forum has consistently proven to be a melting pot of diverse perspectives, and the 2016 edition was no exception. With representation from various sectors, the event fostered collaboration and partnerships among attendees. CEOs of major companies operating in Africa, government officials, and diplomatic figures convened to explore avenues for sustainable growth and development on the continent. The presence of the Ivorian presidential couple added a touch of prestige, highlighting the forum’s significance as a key platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors.
Dynamic Debates on African Economy
Over the course of the two days, participants engaged in dynamic debates on the African economy. The discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving economic landscape. With a focus on the “New Reality, New Priority,” leaders deliberated on the shifting priorities required to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global environment. Key topics included innovation, infrastructure development, and strategies for attracting investment to drive economic growth.
Initiative for Gender Inclusion: “Women in Business”
While the forum showcased an impressive array of participants, the organisers recognized the need to address the underrepresentation of women in the business arena. In response, they launched the “Women in Business” initiative, a groundbreaking effort to promote gender diversity and inclusion. This initiative aimed to create a space for women to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the discourse on shaping the future of African business. The launch of this initiative underscored the organisers’ commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes the invaluable contributions of women in driving economic progress.
The fourth edition of the Africa CEO Forum proved to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the continent’s economic trajectory. With a diverse array of participants and engaging discussions, the event served as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation. The launch of the “Women in Business” initiative further demonstrated the organizers’ dedication to addressing gender disparities in the business world. As Africa continues to navigate its economic journey, events like the Africa CEO Forum play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for the continent.
“With its fourth edition, the Africa CEO Forum, often referred to as the Davos of the Jeune Afrique press group, solidifies its position among the continent’s premier events. This distinguished gathering stands as the quintessential economic benchmark, wholly dedicated to shaping the future of Africa and earning its place as the foremost event in the realm of African business and development.”
