State of the (African) Union

For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

‍

The panel brings together key financiers in Africa—spanning the private sector, philanthropies, and public sector players—to explore how innovative financing can drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent. The discussion will highlight the critical role of collaboration among these stakeholders in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and unlocking its opportunities. Panelists will share insights on structuring impactful investments, mobilizing capital at scale, and leveraging strategic partnerships, while also addressing the challenges they face when operating in the region.

‍

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and while the potential for AI to drive development in Africa has long been recognized, the question remains: is the continent poised to realize this potential? This panel brings together voices in AI innovation, investment, and governance to explore the state of AI on the continent. The discussion will examine how AI is already being applied to solve some of Africa’s unique challenges, from enhancing retail supply chains to improving healthcare delivery. Panelists will also delve into the barriers preventing broader adoption and the ethical considerations of building AI systems for low-resource settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in Africa, the opportunities that exist, and the strategies required to bridge the gap between potential and impact

‍