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.