15 September 2025 — UNITED NATIONS, New York Africa is seizing the reins of its economic future as traditional trade arrangements weaken and global markets fracture. That urgency sets the tone for the Global Africa Business Initiative’s Unstoppable Africa 2025 conference, to be held 21–22 September in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. With the theme “The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets”, the forum positions Africa not as a peripheral player but as a decisive force shaping tomorrow’s global economy.
Africa Defines the Moment
At a media briefing, Sanda Ojiambo, UN Assistant Secretary-General and head of the UN Global Compact, emphasized that the stakes go beyond regional prosperity:
“The markets will be defined by Africa’s trajectory. Africa is unstoppable. The continent is at the centre of so many opportunities. Global business and investors should look at Africa as a partner and come to do business with Africa, not in Africa.”
The event, co-convened by the United Nations and the African Union Commission, will be hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. It is considered the premier African business platform outside the continent.
The Big Push: Trade, Energy, Youth
The agenda focuses on sectors with transformative potential: infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and intra-African trade. Central is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to boost intra-African trade by 45% by 2045 and reduce dependence on external markets.
Africa’s assets are well documented: lithium and cobalt critical for clean energy supply chains, vast solar and wind resources, fertile land, and the world’s youngest population. The challenge—and opportunity—is to move up the value chain by manufacturing domestically and regionally, developing industries that serve both local consumers and global partners.
High-Level Participation
This year’s edition is shaping up as one of the most ambitious to date, with heads of state and business leaders set to engage in practical, solution-driven debate. Confirmed speakers include:
- Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), Duma Boko (Botswana), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), and João Lourenço (Angola).
- Business leaders such as Peter Ndegwa (Safaricom), James Manyika (Google), James Mwangi (Equity Group), Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa (Naspers), Mpumi Madisa (Bidvest), and Strive Masiyiwa (Econet and Cassava).
- Creative and cultural figures, including Luol Deng, Olivier Laouchez (Trace), chef Marcus Samuelsson, and actor Nomzamo Mbatha, who will host the gala dinner.
The discussions will spotlight how Africa can convert demographic growth and global disruption into strategic advantage.
Coalition of Sponsors and Media Partners
The conference has attracted broad backing across finance, industry, and philanthropy. Platinum sponsors include Afreximbank, Bidvest, the Middle East Green Initiative, Sustainable Energy for All Mission 300, and PepsiCo. Gold sponsors range from the African Development Bank Group to Meta and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Official media partners include African Business, Arise News, Business Day, Nation Media Group, News Central TV, Wall Street Africa, and SDG News, underscoring the event’s global communication reach.
A Campaign to Showcase Africa’s Potential
In the run-up, GABI has launched its What Makes Africa Unstoppable campaign, inviting voices from across the continent and global institutions. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed was among the first to contribute.
To broaden global engagement, GABI is partnering with Electrify Video Partners Foundation on an Unstoppable Africa YouTube channel, which will livestream sessions worldwide.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest, most creative, and most entrepreneurial minds,” said Ian Shepherd, Co-CEO of Electrify Video Partners. “We are excited to shine a light on those stories so that audiences everywhere can see the potential of Africa.”
Outlook for Policymakers and Investors
For government leaders, diplomats, and multilateral agencies, Unstoppable Africa 2025 is more than another summit. It represents Africa’s strategic intent to use AfCFTA, renewable energy, and innovation ecosystems to drive inclusive growth and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
The message is clear: Africa is not merely seeking investment; it is setting the rules of engagement for a global marketplace increasingly shaped in Addis Ababa, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as much as in New York or London.
Related Content: Africa’s Unstoppable Moment: A Bold Opening in New York
Follow SDG News on LinkedIn
