Africa
Africa CEO Forum 2025: Can Public-Private Partnerships Unlock Africa’s Economic Growth?
The highly anticipated Africa CEO Forum 2025 is set to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from May 12-13, bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, and global investors from more than 75 countries.
Themed “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”, this year’s edition comes at a critical time for Africa’s economic transformation.
Organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Forum provides a powerful platform for rethinking how African governments and the private sector can work together to tackle structural challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Why This Forum Matters in 2025
Amid global economic pressure—rising protectionism, reduced development aid, and soaring debt costs—the Forum will explore a “New Deal” rooted in: Enhanced governance and transparency Smart public policy for industrialization Fast-tracked trade under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area)
A Historic Presidential Debate
One of the most anticipated moments this year is the Great Debate featuring the five candidates for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). In a first-of-its-kind session, contenders will go head-to-head, presenting their bold visions for Africa’s economic future—from industrialization and climate-friendly infrastructure to mobilizing private capital.
Moderated by Nicholas Norbrook of The Africa Report, this session promises a rare glimpse into the minds of leaders who could shape the future of Africa’s most influential financial institution.
Presidential Powerhouses in Attendance
The event will also welcome a distinguished lineup of African heads of state and high-ranking officials, including H.E. Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, among others. Their presence signals a shared commitment to rewriting the rules of development by leaning into collaboration rather than competition.
“We are privileged to co-host the Africa CEO Forum for the fifth year,” said Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC. “This partnership reflects our shared goal of empowering a dynamic and future-ready private sector in Africa.”
Final Word
In many ways, the 2025 Africa CEO Forum is not just another conference—it’s a call to action. It’s a chance to rethink Africa’s growth story and craft a new chapter powered by collaboration, resilience, and innovation.
As Africa stands at the crossroads of global change, the question is no longer whether the continent can rise—but how fast and how boldly it will.
The Biggest Lie in Geography Is About Africa—And It’s Time to Correct It
For centuries, the world has been misled about Africa’s true size. The Mercator map—one of the most widely used world maps—has shrunk the continent, distorting its scale and minimizing its global significance.
Africa covers 30.37 million square kilometers—large enough to fit the United States, China, India, and most of Europe combined. Yet, in classrooms, newsrooms, publications, and boardrooms worldwide, the Mercator projection presents Africa as much smaller than it really is.
Designed for 16th-century maritime navigation, the map artificially enlarges Global North regions while drastically reducing the perceived size of continents like Africa. The result? A distorted world view that downplays Africa’s economic, cultural, and political importance.
Now, Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa are launching the Correct the Map campaign to put an end to this enduring falsehood. The Correct the Map campaign is calling on international organizations—including the UN, World Bank, and BBC—to switch to the Equal Earth map projection, a fairer and more accurate representation of global geography.
Through a global petition and campaign charter, the initiative invites institutions, educators, and media platforms to pledge their commitment to using maps that depict Africa’s true size.
“Geography has history. Africa’s misrepresentation on world maps is not just a cartographic error—it’s a narrative issue,” says Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter.
“By reducing the size of Africa, we are subconsciously downplaying its importance. It’s time we took a stand.”
Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, adds: “Decisions about Africa—economic, political, and developmental—are being made using a false reference point. We need the world to see Africa as it truly is.”
The world cannot afford to keep making decisions based on a 400-year-old distortion. It’s time to fix the map and reframe the narrative.
Sign the petition to Correct the Map here: https://www.change.org/CorrectTheMap
Follow the campaign online: www.correctthemap.org
XRP Healthcare Targets Q3 2025 IPO to Fuel AI and Africa Expansion
XRP Healthcare, a rapidly growing innovator in AI-driven healthcare and mergers & acquisitions, has announced plans to go public by Q3 2025. The company has accelerated its initial public offering (IPO) timeline, moving its listing date from 2027 to the third quarter of this year on a Canadian stock exchange.
This strategic move aims to fast-track expansion, unlock new investment opportunities, and solidify XRP Healthcare’s position as a global leader in healthcare transformation. The decision follows a series of high-impact developments, including the acquisition of Pharma Ville, a pharmacy chain with five wholesale and two retail locations across Uganda.
Abraham Cinta, CEO of ARC Group, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating in an exclusive interview featured in XRP Healthcare’s Special Edition Magazine that being in the spotlight could exponentially transform the company’s business, potentially by a factor of 10 or even 100.
The Pharma Ville acquisition grants XRP Healthcare direct access to vital pharmaceutical and medical infrastructure, strengthening its foothold in Africa’s projected USD 259 billion healthcare market. The IPO process is being guided by ARC Group, a globally recognized capital markets advisory firm.
According to Charles Chong, Vice President of EMEA Capital Markets at ARC Group, the listing in Canada is only the beginning since the long-term strategy includes securing a U.S. listing within five years to enhance investor exposure and global market visibility.
Supporting its vision for accessible healthcare, XRP Healthcare has launched the XRPH AI App, a global multilingual digital health assistant available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app provides AI-generated medical guidance, localized in multiple languages, making it a vital tool in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Recent updates include an image upload feature for AI-assisted analysis of visible symptoms such as rashes, swelling, and fungal infections. A “Doctor Search & Connect” feature, set to launch next quarter, will allow users to connect with licensed medical professionals in their area.
By bridging healthcare access gaps, the XRPH AI App positions XRP Healthcare at the forefront of consumer-driven digital health innovation.
Whitney Lynn, Chairman of XRP Healthcare, who brings over 45 years of M&A experience with over $10 billion in value creation, emphasized the company is at a pivotal moment
toward becoming a publicly listed company before September. This is evidenced by the accelerated M&A strategy starting with the acquisition of the Pharma Ville pharmacy chain in Uganda.
Africa-Focused Growth Strategy
With trademark protection secured in the United Kingdom, European Union, UAE, and Uganda, XRP Healthcare is building a recognizable and defensible brand in digital healthcare. Laban Roomes, COO, described Pharma Ville as a strategic cornerstone in the company’s IPO acceleration, emphasizing that the five wholesale and two retail pharmacies in Uganda mark just the beginning.
XRP Healthcare’s rapid expansion model is well suited for Africa, where 57% of Uganda’s 46 million people rely on private healthcare providers, with over 6,000 fragmented operators in the market.
“We’ve laid the foundation for scale and are on track to list before autumn, unlocking capital to drive regional expansion and transform healthcare delivery across Africa,” said Laban Roomes.
Kain Roomes, CEO of XRP Healthcare, further emphasized the significance of consolidating and modernizing Africa’s private healthcare sector, which accounts for 50% of total service delivery.
“The IPO allows us to accelerate our mission and strengthen healthcare access and quality across the continent.”
Looking ahead, XRP Healthcare plans to expand into Kenya and Rwanda, leveraging the legal, operational, and regulatory frameworks already established in Uganda.

XRP Healthcare Moves IPO to Q3 2025, Fast-Tracking AI and M&A Global Expansion
Key Partnerships and AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation
Following the Pharma Ville acquisition, XRP Healthcare has forged partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and healthcare providers to enhance distribution and operations across Africa. These partnerships include:
- Incepta Pharmaceuticals – Generics and vaccines
- Ascensia Diabetes Care – Diabetes management solutions
- Universal Corporation – Global supplier of leaf tobacco for medical applications
- Naari – Women’s health pharmaceuticals
- Amanta Healthcare – Sterile injectables and IV infusions
- Marie Stopes Uganda – Reproductive health and family planning
- Medrull – Wound care and first-aid solutions
- Toros Group – High-quality pharmaceutical distribution
Additionally, XRP Healthcare has secured an exclusive distribution agreement across Africa with Isansys Lifecare, led by CTO Keith Errey, for the deployment of the Patient Status Engine (PSE). This fully wireless, AI-powered medical platform integrates advanced sensors, deep learning, and predictive analytics to enable earlier interventions, home-based care, and paperless hospital wards. The PSE is expected to revolutionize healthcare delivery by reducing pressure on hospitals and medical staff.
Emmanuel Sinzohagera Elected Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the election of the Reverend Emmanuel Sinzohagera as its new Bishop. The election took place on March 15, 2025, during a special session of the Africa Central Conference. Reverend Sinzohagera was elected on the first ballot, receiving 48 out of 60 votes. Following his consecration on March 16, he was assigned to the newly created Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area.
The United Methodist Church has a long and storied history in Burundi. Since its inception, the church has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation, establishing schools, hospitals, and community development programs that have positively impacted it.
countless lives. The church has been a beacon of hope, providing vital services and fostering a spirit of resilience and community in Burundi.
Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera, 50, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the first bishop elected by the central conference, which is scheduled to split into the new East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences.
Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera’s extensive experience within the United Methodist Church has prepared him well for this new role. For over fifteen years, he served as a dedicated pastor, guiding congregations in Kabezi, Gatumba, and Romero. His leadership extended to the district level, where he served as Superintendent for
Bujumbura for five years. In 2021, he was elected as the legal representative for the Burundi Conference and subsequently appointed dean of superintendents, a position he held again in 2023. He also demonstrated his commitment to spiritual renewal by initiating an annual revival within the Burundi Conference. Recognizing the importance of community development, he founded the Burundi United Methodist Development Agency. Notably, his service also extended beyond the church, as he served as speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Burundi, the third-highest office in his home country.
Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera is also a graduate of Africa University and holds multiple degrees in finance and business administration, a bachelor of theology, and master’s and doctorate degrees. His deep commitment to spiritual growth, social justice, and the mission of the church has been evident throughout his ministry.
Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera expressed his gratitude and commitment to his election. “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the delegates of the Central Conference. My vision is to bring the body of Christ closer to God by fostering love, peace, and reconciliation. We will strengthen our witness, expand our outreach, and deepen our impact on the lives of the people we serve. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and transformative church.”
The consecration service for Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera took place on March 16, 2025.
As Bishop, Emmanuel Sinzohagera will provide spiritual leadership, pastoral guidance, and administrative oversight to the United Methodist Church in the newly created Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area, representing the church at national and international levels and playing a crucial role in its governance and direction. He will serve for life unless he chooses to retire, is reassigned, or for other reasons.
Kenya Calls for African Nations to Mobilize Domestic Resources in Fight Against Malaria
In a pressing call to action, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, has urged African countries to prioritize domestic resource mobilization in the fight against malaria.
Speaking at the 2025 End Malaria Councils (EMCs) and Funds Chairs dinner, Mang’eni highlighted Kenya’s current financial gap of US$33 million in its malaria control efforts, emphasizing the need for local ownership and investment as donor funding dwindles.
The event, convened to secure the estimated US$6.3 billion annually required to sustain and expand malaria control efforts across Africa, underscored the urgency of the situation.
Mang’eni stressed that the African Union’s ambitious goal to eliminate malaria by 2030 demands collective action from governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities.
Kenya remains in a critical battle against malaria, with the disease accounting for 15% of outpatient consultations nationally in 2023, according to USAID.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a continued flatlining of malaria resources over 2027-2029 could result in 112 million additional cases and up to 280,700 deaths across Africa.
The EMCs, leveraging their influence and expertise, have mobilized over $125 million in financial and in-kind support in 2024 alone.
However, the Global Fund, which provides 62% of international malaria financing, faces challenges due to donor fatigue and shifting global priorities.
Co-hosted by the End Malaria Council (EMC) Kenya and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), the meeting rallied governments, private sector leaders, and civil society to push for the full replenishment of the Global Fund, Africa’s financial backbone in combating malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
“We must not let malaria outmaneuver us. It’s time to rally our resources and suppress this age-old adversary,” Mang’eni said, urging African nations to look inward for solutions amidst declining donor support.
Despite its devastating impact on health and economic productivity, malaria remains heavily reliant on external aid.
The Global Fund has invested over $19.1 billion in malaria control, yet leaders warn of a precarious funding landscape due to donor fatigue and economic volatility.
Chris Getonga, Chairman of EMC Kenya, echoed the urgency, stating, “To achieve the Kenya Malaria Strategy’s goal of reducing malaria incidence, resource mobilization and collaboration are our most potent weapons.”
The high-stakes gathering, attended by representatives from government, business, and civil society, highlighted the continent-wide consensus that defeating malaria requires more than goodwill—it demands money, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with a U.S. executive order temporarily freezing foreign aid, threatening malaria drug supplies in nations reliant on USAID support.
With Kenya reporting 3.42 million confirmed malaria cases in 2022 and facing a national funding gap of Ksh 24 billion, the stakes are higher than ever.
Dr. Samira Buhari Receives Daurama Karama Title for Community Leadership
Dr. Samira Buhari, the founder of the Daurama Foundation, was honored with the esteemed title of Daurama Karama in a ceremony held in January 2025.
The recognition celebrates her impactful contributions to her community and highlights the importance of compassionate leadership and cultural integrity.
The title of Daurama Karama reflects qualities such as grace, resilience, and dedication to service, connecting Dr. Buhari to a lineage of respected leaders who have made lasting contributions to society.
Her work has been instrumental in fostering progressive values while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Daura. The ceremony not only marked a personal achievement for Dr. Buhari but also served as a testament to the power of leadership that is rooted in cultural identity.
HRH Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, the Emir of Daura, presided over the event and underscored the significance of Dr. Buhari’s work.
“The turbaning of Dr. Samira as Daurama Karama reflects the rich heritage of Daura and the profound respect we have for leaders who embody service, integrity, and dedication,” he stated.
His remarks highlighted the critical areas where Dr. Buhari has made a difference, particularly in healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. The Emir emphasized that her leadership serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, inspiring others to engage in community service.
Dr. Samira Buhari was not alone in this celebration, as she was turbaned alongside her brothers, Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari and Dr. Gazzali Salisu Buhari. Alhaji Ibrahim received the title of Iyan Daura, while Dr. Gazzali was honored with the title of Makaman Kasar Hausa.
The recognition for the whole family marks a historic day that symbolizes their collective commitment to leadership and service.
“Receiving the title of Iyan Daura is both humbling and motivating,” said Alhaji Ibrahim.
It’s a reminder of the trust placed in us to contribute meaningfully to our community.
His statement reflects a deep awareness of the responsibilities accompanying such honors and the need for continued dedication to uplifting the Daura community.
Dr. Gazzali Salisu Buhari echoed this sentiment, noting, “Being named Makaman Kasar Hausa is a significant responsibility. It’s a call to honor our cultural heritage while also embracing the challenges of modern leadership.” His perspective reinforces the necessity for leaders to combine respect for tradition with an innovative approach to address contemporary issues.
Reflecting on the importance of this occasion, Dr. Samira expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to her community.
“This title is a profound recognition of our shared heritage and responsibilities,” she stated. “I am deeply moved and inspired to continue my work in advancing gender equality, healthcare, and community development.” Her dedication to these vital areas underscores her passion for driving progress while remaining grounded in cultural values.
The ceremony also showcased the essential role of women leaders in society. Dr. Samira’s achievements exemplify how women play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage while promoting innovation and inclusivity.
Women leaders like Dr. Samira inspire communities to appreciate the intrinsic value of their heritage and the role it plays in shaping identities by bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, .
Trinity International Strengthens its Paris Office with the Arrival of Jérôme Le Berre as Tax Law Partner
Trinity International’s Paris office bolsters its team with the arrival of Jérôme Le Berre as a tax law partner, starting from January 1, 2025. An experienced tax lawyer, Jérôme brings with him two decades of expertise in the energy and natural resources sectors.
Throughout his career, he has advised international clients on the tax and customs aspects of their investments, particularly in Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
Since its inception, Trinity International has provided a range of top-tier services to its clients operating in emerging markets, particularly in the priority sectors of energy, infrastructure, and natural resources. Jérôme’s arrival adds tax expertise to the firm’s existing capabilities in transactional, project financing, regulatory, and arbitration services. This makes Trinity a one-stop shop for operators in the extractive industries in Africa.
Since Stéphane Brabant and Lucien Bou Chaaya joined the firm in 2021, Trinity’s extractive practice has grown significantly, especially among international mining and oil operators active in Africa. Amid rising tensions between extractive operators and certain African governments, particularly regarding tax and customs audits, Jérôme brings recognized expertise in tax and customs law as well as crisis management.
Lucien Bou Chaaya, partner at Trinity in Paris, commented: “We have worked with Jérôme for years on complex cases, both contentious and non-contentious. He has a unique ability to simplify complex issues. His acute understanding of African contexts, combined with his exceptional analytical and diplomatic skills, makes him a valuable ally in any sensitive negotiation. Bringing him into our team feels like a natural progression of our relationship and allows us to support our clients on all aspects of their projects. We are excited to welcome him into our collective.”
Jérôme Le Berre added: “Trinity International offers a unique range of expertise among firms serving emerging markets, including the extractive sector in Francophone Africa, which is under unprecedented pressure. With Stéphane Brabant and Lucien Bou Chaaya, I join an ambitious team that I know well. Their dedication to serving their clients and their values align perfectly with my vision of advisory services, especially in such a strategic and demanding sector as natural resources.”
Trinity International relies on a team of 60 experienced lawyers specializing in project development and financing, corporate law, and arbitration. The multicultural team, based in four offices (London, Paris, Washington, and Singapore), supports its clients from the early stages and throughout the lifecycle of their projects, including crisis management throughout the project.
Jérôme Le Berre, partner, joins Trinity’s Paris team of over twenty Francophone lawyers, led by Pierre Bernheim, Marianna Sédéfian, Stéphane Brabant, Lucien Bou Chaaya, and Natasha Peter.
Winners Announced for Africa Skills Revolution Competition, Celebrating Young Talent in Vocational Education
The Africa Skills Revolution competition has unveiled its winners, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of African youth engaged in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The initiative, which highlights the critical role of skills development in driving socioeconomic growth across the continent, aligns with the African Union’s Year for Education 2024.
Launched as a pivotal component of the Africa Skills Revolution Initiative—a partnership between AUDA-NEPAD and Humana People to People—the competition aims to reshape perceptions of vocational education by showcasing how equipping young Africans with practical skills can lead to transformative changes in their communities and tackle both local and global challenges.
With an impressive 490 participants from 36 African nations, the competition featured inspiring stories, among which several stood out:
- Huda Arbab, 29, from Kenya, Founder of Craft for Life Business
- Victory Naleh Befii, 32, from Nigeria, working at the TVET Centre, A+ Agency Fashion Academy
- Jonathan Shauri Kalibatha, 24, from Rwanda
- Omar Malak Abshir, 28, from Somalia
- Raina Augustus, 35, from Namibia
Huda Arbab, one of the competition’s winners, articulated her mission, stating, “In the Kakuma refugee camp, many women face significant economic and social challenges. Our handmade products are gaining traction globally due to increasing demand for unique and ethically-sourced items. I aspire to be more than just a designer; I aim to be a catalyst for change.”
Another standout winner, Victory Naleh Befii, emphasizes her dedication to revolutionizing the African fashion industry, asserting, “Creativity can drive social change and economic growth. I want to be a change-maker.”
The competition, which ran from August 26 to September 26, evaluated projects based on passion, ambition, inspiring potential, and contributions to social and economic development. Luckson Soda, Director of DAPP Zimbabwe, expressed immense pride in the participants, stating, “Their projects showcase the innovation that TVET fosters. These young individuals are proving vocational education’s effectiveness in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Mr. Symerre Grey-Johnson, Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development at AUDA-NEPAD, added, “We observe countless young people driving progress in their communities. They’re not just acquiring skills—they’re utilizing them to create meaningful impacts, from launching small businesses to addressing local issues and boosting their economies.”
Though the competition highlights success stories, the Africa Skills Revolution represents far more than an event; it embodies a transformative movement aimed at unlocking the full potential of Africa’s youth.
Despite its proven advantages, TVET is often underestimated and perceived as a lesser alternative to traditional education. This initiative strives to change that narrative.
Through advocacy campaigns and surveys, the Africa Skills Revolution seeks to amplify the voices of young Africans, empowering them to articulate their visions for the continent’s future.
African Women Leaders Unite to Combat Breast Cancer with New Council
A coalition of African women leaders on Wednesday established the Africa Breast Cancer Council, supported by Roche, one of the world’s leading biotech firms.
The new Council aims to tackle the escalating breast cancer crisis on the continent, where the disease has become the most prevalent cancer among women and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
Breast cancer survival rates in sub-Saharan Africa are alarmingly low, with only one in two women expected to survive five years post-diagnosis.
In response, the Council will harness the diverse expertise of its members to advocate for policy changes, enhance collaboration, and improve patient outcomes across African nations.
Their mission includes fostering systemic improvements in healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and funding, with an initial focus on healthcare systems receptive to innovation and partnerships.
Dr. Miriam Mutebi, a member of the Council and a Breast Cancer Surgical Oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, emphasized the significance of launching the Council during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“We are using this month to amplify our collective voice, highlighting the urgent need to address the unacceptable toll of breast cancer on African women,” she stated.
The Council aims to reduce the average time to diagnosis from over six months to just 60 days, addressing critical gaps in healthcare that hinder timely treatment.
Currently, more than 60% of women in Kenya are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, often due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of awareness regarding symptoms and self-examination.
Barriers such as geographic distance to healthcare facilities and inadequate integrated health systems complicate patient pathways and elevate treatment costs.
Wendy Cupido, Co-chair of the Africa Breast Cancer Council and General Manager at Roche South Africa, highlighted the collective strength of the Council.
Each member brings vital knowledge and expertise to the table. Together, we aim to create a unified force to address significant concerns surrounding breast cancer care.
Dr. Magda Robalo, another Council member and President of the Institute for Global Health and Development, stressed the urgency of their mission.
“Most African women are diagnosed too late, and many do not receive the necessary treatment. This injustice is preventable, and we will advocate for governments to allocate the resources needed to change this narrative,” she asserted.
The Africa Breast Cancer Council stands poised to make a significant impact on breast cancer care in Africa, driving efforts to ensure that women receive timely diagnoses and effective treatment, ultimately improving survival rates across the continent.