Breakout 1
|
Workshop
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 110

Building Sustainable Global African Brands

Research by Brand Africa (www.brand.africa) has revealed that over the past 15 years, while 64% of Africans claim to believe in their continent, only 20% of the brands they admire are actually made in Africa. This disconnect is further highlighted by the mere 15% of intra-Africa trade.  However, a new chapter is unfolding with the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening doors for homegrown brands to flourish.Coupled with a renewed global spotlight on African brands, there has never been a better time for companies to capitalize on this momentum. Strong African brands now have the potential to not only drive economic growth but also reshape narratives about the continent.

The Building Sustainable Global African Brands masterclass will equip participants with insights, knowledge and skill and best practices to build compelling, impactful and differentiated global African brands in Africa; as well as a brand-led approach to reshaping the African narrative and perceptions.  

‍

Building Sustainable Global African Brands

Research by Brand Africa (www.brand.africa) has revealed that over the past 15 years, while 64% of Africans claim to believe in their continent, only 20% of the brands they admire are actually made in Africa. This disconnect is further highlighted by the mere 15% of intra-Africa trade.  However, a new chapter is unfolding with the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening doors for homegrown brands to flourish.Coupled with a renewed global spotlight on African brands, there has never been a better time for companies to capitalize on this momentum. Strong African brands now have the potential to not only drive economic growth but also reshape narratives about the continent.

The Building Sustainable Global African Brands masterclass will equip participants with insights, knowledge and skill and best practices to build compelling, impactful and differentiated global African brands in Africa; as well as a brand-led approach to reshaping the African narrative and perceptions.  

‍

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 110

Other Sessions

More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 111
Culture
Owning the Value Chain: Building Africa's Beauty Economy
How African entrepreneurs are building world-class beauty brands rooted in local innovation.
More info

Owning the Value Chain: Building Africa's Beauty Economy

Africa's beauty economy is booming, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are building global brands rooted in the continent's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. This panel explores how African beauty founders are owning the value chain — from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution — and creating products that resonate with consumers worldwide.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 111
More Info
Breakout 3
|
Saturday
|
2:30 pm
Aldrich 110
Ecosystem Development
Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities
Innovative solutions for Africa's urban housing challenge.
More info

Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities

Africa's cities are growing faster than anywhere else on the planet, creating an unprecedented demand for affordable housing. This panel explores innovative approaches to financing, building, and governing housing at scale — from new construction technologies to creative policy frameworks — that can help African cities meet the needs of their rapidly expanding populations.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 2:30 PM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 107
Finance
Solving Real Problems at Scale: What it Takes to Build FinTech in Africa
Exploring the opportunities and challenges facing fintech builders across the African continent.
More info

Solving Real Problems at Scale: What it Takes to Build FinTech in Africa

This panel brings together leading fintech entrepreneurs and investors to explore what it really takes to build and scale financial technology platforms across Africa. From navigating regulatory complexity to unlocking new markets, panelists will share hard-won insights on the strategies driving the next wave of African fintech innovation and financial inclusion.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 107
More Info
Breakout 2
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Spangler Auditorium
Tech
Owning the AI Transition: Compute, Talent, and Market Formation in Africa
How Africa can lead in AI through compute infrastructure, talent development, and market creation.
More info

Owning the AI Transition: Compute, Talent, and Market Formation in Africa

As the global AI race intensifies, Africa has a unique opportunity to own its AI transition rather than be a passive recipient of technology built elsewhere. This panel brings together leaders in AI infrastructure, talent development, and market formation to explore how the continent can build the compute capacity, cultivate the technical talent, and create the market conditions needed to compete and lead in the AI era.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Spangler Auditorium
Strong bonds

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