Thematic Networking Lunches

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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This panel examines the impact of foreign financing on Africa's development, focusing on whether these cross-border investments are essential drivers of economic growth or if they risk fostering dependency and undermining sovereignty. Discussions will explore how foreign financing has shaped African economies over the past decade and what expectations lie ahead for the future. Key questions include: Are the structures of current financing agreements sustainable and beneficial for African nations? Do countries have the capacity to refinance debts? Most importantly, what does this mean for future generations, particularly in balancing opportunities for growth with the burden of long-term debt?

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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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