African business leaders, policymakers and global investors have converged in Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum 2026, where discussions are focused on strengthening regional cooperation and expanding investment opportunities across the continent.
The two-day forum, organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is holding under the theme: “Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”
Opening the event on Thursday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame called on African countries to take greater responsibility for protecting and advancing their economic interests despite the continent’s vast natural and strategic advantages.
Kagame said Africa must better harness its resources to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term development across member states.
The President of the Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed, said meaningful economic expansion in Africa would depend on stronger collaboration between governments, investors and private sector players.
He emphasised the importance of shared ownership and trust as key drivers for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Jean-Guy Afrika, said Africa’s rapidly growing population and expanding consumer markets present significant opportunities for development.
He, however, cautioned that the continent must translate its demographic advantage into measurable and scalable economic progress.
Organisers of the forum said the 2026 edition has attracted more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of private sector leaders on the continent.
Participants are expected to deliberate on strategies for mobilising investment, sharing risks and developing cross-border ownership structures aimed at accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
The forum is also expected to explore how stronger public-private partnerships can support long-term prosperity and inclusive growth across African economies.
