Past, Present, Future: The role of the public sector and strategic policymaking in enabling Africa's development

Africa’s healthcare systems face critical challenges: reducing reliance on foreign aid, addressing the shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expanding access to care. This panel explores practical and innovative, sustainable models to transform healthcare delivery across the continent. This session will bring together investors, operators, and academics to explore

the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the adoption of technology in Africa. Panelists will discuss strengthening pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystems through local production, technology transfer, and regional collaboration. They will also highlight the role of private capital in scaling sustainable solutions and share insights on leveraging pharmacies as primary care providers to address NCDs. Together, they’ll outline actionable strategies for building resilient healthcare systems, emphasizing local innovation, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation. This session offers a roadmap for addressing Africa’s evolving healthcare needs.

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From traditional farming to cutting-edge technology, Africa’s agricultural sector is evolving. Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed
VI Polytechnic University, will share insights on how research institutions are driving sustainable innovation, improving food security,
and bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world farming solutions.

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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.  

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