African leaders, CEOs gather in Rwanda for major economic forum

More than 2,000 participants from across the world are attending the May 14-15 forum at the Kigali Convention Centre, marking the third time Rwanda has hosted the event after previous editions in 2019 and 2024. Organizers expect attendance to reach about 2,500 participants.

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media Group in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, the forum was later relocated to Africa to strengthen engagement with the continent’s business and political leaders.

The annual gathering focuses on promoting economic growth, investment, trade and public-private partnerships while addressing challenges facing African economies. Discussions this year are expected to cover business and investment, artificial intelligence, energy, agriculture, education, infrastructure, climate change, health care, youth employment and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The forum is also known for facilitating investment deals, partnerships and policy discussions between governments and the private sector. Its stated mission is to help position Africa as a major global economic powerhouse.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a regular participant at the forum, is expected to address issues including technology, regional integration, investment and governance.

Several African leaders have already arrived in Kigali for the event, including Côte d’Ivoire Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and Guinea President Mamadi Doumbouya, who arrived Tuesday.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo arrived Wednesday and also Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

Prime ministers participating in the forum include Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, Guinea Prime Minister Bah Oury and Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

Speaking about preparations for the forum on April 30, Africa CEO Forum CEO Adrian Fielding said organizers believe Africa’s scale and resilience are increasingly important in the global economy.

“In international economic policy, scale matters,” Fielding said. “Strength, resilience and stability are essential for investors, businesses and political leaders.”