African News
GABI To Host Flagship ‘Unstoppable Africa’ 2025 Forum In New York As Continent Pushes To Shape Global Markets
Africa is setting its sights on taking charge of its economic destiny as global markets face mounting volatility and old trade frameworks falter. The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) will convene its flagship “Unstoppable Africa” 2025 forum in New York on September 21–22, under the theme “The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets.”
The event, organised by the United Nations Global Compact in partnership with the UN and African Union Commission, will bring together heads of state, policymakers, investors, and business leaders to chart Africa’s role in driving global growth. It will run alongside the 80th UN General Assembly and be hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, described the moment as decisive. “The markets will be defined by Africa’s trajectory,” she said, stressing that the continent’s natural resources, youthful demography, and innovative spirit position it as a global economic engine.
This year’s agenda zeroes in on unlocking investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and intra-African trade. At its core is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to boost intra-African trade by 45% by 2045. Advocates say AfCFTA could help reduce reliance on external markets and build robust regional industries.
Africa’s untapped wealth — from cobalt and lithium to vast solar potential and fertile land — is seen as central to reshaping its economic future. “Africa is unstoppable,” Ojiambo declared, calling on global businesses to partner “with Africa, not in Africa.”
Confirmed speakers include Presidents Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), Duma Boko (Botswana), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), and João Lourenço (Angola). Corporate leaders such as Peter Ndegwa (Safaricom), James Manyika (Google), James Mwangi (Equity Group), Strive Masiyiwa (Econet), and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (DP World) will also take part. Actor and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha will host the gala dinner.
The event is sponsored by institutions including Afreximbank, Bidvest, Middle East Green Initiative, Sustainable Energy for All Mission 300, Pepsico, African Development Bank Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Democratic Republic of Congo, Meta, Safaricom & US Chamber of Commerce. Other sponsors include Africa 50, Climate Works Foundation, FMN Group, Helios Towers, Rockefeller Foundation.
Official Media partners include ARISE News, African Business, Business Day, E & M, Electrify Video, SDG News, Nation Media Group, News Central TV & Wall Street Africa.
Ahead of the event, GABI has launched the What Makes Africa Unstoppable campaign and an Unstoppable Africa YouTube channel to broadcast stories of African innovation globally.
While the New York gathering is invitation-only, virtual participation is open for registration. Organisers say the forum will serve as a rallying call for Africa to not just weather global disruption, but to leverage it as a strategic advantage.
