Discussing the Unstoppable Africa flagship event, Sanda Ojiambo ( r ) says the plan was to make it an annual occasion right from the start. Africa is too big, too complex and theres too much opportunity for this to be a one-off. It is important for Africa to be shown through a private sector lens and as a place of opportunity in contrast with the images of crisis, conflict and poor governance that often define it.
African leaders as well as private sector leaders have themselves said that we need to reshape Africas narrative. We need to see Africa for the opportunities that it presents. But there just wasnt a unique enough multi-stakeholder, multilateral platform to do that, she says.
GABIs role is to convene, connect and catalyse the discussions that are critical for Africas growth. Its a unique platform because we bring together Heads of State, policymakers, businesses, investors, and philanthropists all at once. The idea is to mobilise political will, secure domestic investments, and lay the groundwork for global investments where needed.
Earlier this year, we signed a partnership with the African Union on the sidelines of the Mid-Year Summit to mobilise businesses towards its Agenda 2063. Weve held convenings on the ground with the Africa CEO Forum, discussing digital AI and technology for Africa; and weve had a couple of other mobilisations on the continent through our local networks and businesses, Ojiambo says.
GABI has also been the platform for important announcements such as last years partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Google, as well as the collaboration between She Trades and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to support women-led SMEs. Ghanas Energy Infrastructure Plan was announced under its aegis.
