The Dialogue brought together nearly 200 chief executives, government representatives and multilateral institutions to strengthen strategic cooperation and amplify the private sector’s role in Africa’s growth.
Speaking ahead of the final day’s sessions, Pietro Maninni, Chief Executive of TEHA Africa, said the 2025 edition comes at a critical moment, taking place just 24 hours before the G20 summit.
He said the Dialogue is designed to ensure that “the voice of the private sector”, responsible for 90% of Africa’s employment, is heard at a global level.
Maninni said Friday’s programme includes a live discussion with Economist Jeffrey Sachs on the future of Africa and the inclusive policies required to unlock sustained growth.
Delegates will also debate financing for infrastructure, with the continent’s persistent infrastructure deficit continuing to weigh heavily on development, draining around 2% of gross domestic product annually.
A central feature of the Dialogue will be the signing of the CEO Manifesto, a strategic document outlining 10 key commitments for the future of African business. According to Maninni, the manifesto will be submitted to the SA Presidency, the G20 Secretariat and all G20 member states.
He said the document is intended to influence global policy discussions. “We hope that some of these recommendations and endorsements about the future of Africa will be heard and discussed during the proceedings of the G20,” he said, adding that TEHA’s global network ensures the manifesto reaches senior decision-makers.
Reflecting on the Dialogue’s evolution over 12 years, Maninni said Africa’s economic landscape has been transformed by the emergence of “African giants”, companies scaling rapidly in markets whose combined capitalisation now exceeds $1.4 trillion, a fivefold increase in two decades. He believes these firms will soon compete globally and drive employment, investment and economic resilience.
Despite optimism, he cautioned that challenges remain, including conflict, public-debt pressures and limited cross-border infrastructure. Still, he said the Dialogue continues to catalyse partnerships, with business deals regularly emerging in sectors such as renewables, automotive manufacturing and tourism.
–ChannelAfrica–
