There are strong calls for deeper regional integration, accelerated investment and private sector-led growth at the Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  Forum in Rwanda.

Business leaders, policymakers and investors from across the continent, largely underscored the need for Africa to shape its own economic future through innovation, collaboration and bold leadership.

Kigali’s pristine streets are a fitting path to the Africa CEO Forum, a city that is reflecting the order, innovation and ambition shaping Africa’s future. And there is the hope that the private sector and governments can walk together towards a more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame believes it possible.

“Each one of the people in this room and beyond have something to contribute and to benefit from the continent. The continent has a lot that is not being put to good use and it is up to us to rise to that level,” says Kagame.

The Forum is tackling pressing issues including youth unemployment.  There seems to be a concerted effort to look at practical commitments the private sector is prepared to make.

“I’m of the view that the youth are actually waiting for us, for governments and business, the youth have the ideas and it is not the old way of doing business; it is start-ups, it is AI, it is digitalisation and that is going to drive the role young people play in the economy,” says SA B20 Sherpa, Cas Coovadia.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are often described as the backbone of African economies. Helping small businesses scale and become sustainable is also seen as key.

First National Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer Kapumpe Chola feels it goes beyond just access to finance.

” It is sustainable technical expertise, how we create market linkages for SMEs, so all of that needs to come into play.”

You get a sense at this forum that Africa is trying to drum to its own beat with governments and the private sector moving in rhythm to build a stronger, self-driven economy.

–SABC–