Behind every successful African venture is a story of grit, adaptation, and hard-won lessons. This panel brings together founders and operators who have navigated the complexities of building and scaling businesses across the continent, sharing candid insights on what it really takes — from early-stage struggles to growth-stage challenges — to build ventures that last.

East Africa is home to some of the continent's most dynamic and innovative business ecosystems. This lunch session shines a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, enterprises, and ecosystems driving growth across the region — from Nairobi's tech scene to Addis Ababa's manufacturing ambitions — and explores what makes East African business unique and globally competitive.

This inter-ministerial panel explores how Uganda is navigating the path from potential to execution, examining the role of government leadership in driving innovation, technology, and economic transformation. Featuring senior government officials, the session offers insights into how African nations can build institutional capacity and strategic partnerships to accelerate development.

African cinema is experiencing a renaissance, with stories from the continent capturing global audiences and generating significant commercial returns. This panel explores the business of African film — from financing and distribution to content creation and intellectual property — and how investors and creators can work together to build a thriving, self-sustaining African film industry.