2026 Overview

Africa’s role on the global stage is evolving rapidly, yet much of the international discourse continues to focus on what the world needs from the continent. The Africa Debate offers a different approach, putting Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation and convening leaders across policy, investment and business to shape the partnerships needed for the next phase of growth.

The theme for The Africa Debate this year is Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition. As the global order shifts and new economic and geopolitical realities emerge, the forum will explore what these changes mean for African economies and their international partners. Against a backdrop of uncertainty in the global economy, The Africa Debate will spotlight opportunities to accelerate investment, unlock growth, and strengthen development outcomes through a new era of collaboration.

2025 Highlights

Who Joined the Event

The Africa Debate brought together an exclusive network of 800+ investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders from government agencies, commercial banks, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and top companies across energy, oil & gas, technology, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, logistics, and beyond.

What participants experienced:

Engaged directly with the key players and businesses shaping Africa’s investment landscape.
Gained cutting-edge insights into the future of business and investment across the continent.
Connected with high-level delegates and influential speakers.
Shared expertise, perspectives, and experiences with investors and industry pioneers.

The conversations that we are having at The Africa Debate today are the conversations we at Afreximbank have been trying to push forward. The issue of using the capital under the ground to form the capital that is usable.”

Prof. Benedict Oramah, Former President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank

“The Africa Debate is a fantastic platform. From what I’ve seen today, the depth of engagement is rich, the quality of attendance is world class. More importantly, world class not only because you’re attracting people from Africa, but you are attracting participants in the Africa story.”

Dalu Ajene, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Nigeria

“These events are where the seeds are planted and where ideas for new innovative approaches to challenges and opportunities comes out of the coffee breaks and are inspired during the sessions.”

Mary Peschka, Regional Director for Eastern Africa, International Finance Corporation