In a world of shifting alliances and great power competition, Africa is no longer content to be a passive player. This panel examines how African nations and leaders are designing partnerships on their own terms — balancing relationships with traditional Western allies, China, and emerging partners — to maximize the continent's strategic interests and economic sovereignty.

Join this special lunch screening of Lobito Bound, followed by a moderated Q&A session. The documentary explores the ambitious Lobito Atlantic Railway corridor connecting Angola, Zambia, and the DRC — a transformative infrastructure project reshaping trade and development across southern Africa.

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.

African music is dominating global charts, but who owns the value being created? This panel brings together artists, label executives, and media entrepreneurs to discuss how Africans are taking ownership of their music and media industries — from IP rights and distribution to building platforms that keep value on the continent.