New York City: The gathering which took place at the Marriott Marquis, in Times Square, marked a decisive shift in the global conversation – from doing business in Africa to doing business with Africa – with energy, critical minerals, healthcare, education, and the creative industries driving a powerful narrative of Africa as the engine of the worlds next wave of growth. The event was held just ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly and was hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. CNNs Larry Madowo and Al Jazeeras Folly Bah Thibault returned as moderators.
According to African Press Organization, in his opening remarks at Unstoppable Africa 2025, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted Africa’s growing influence at a time of global disruption and opportunity. Guterres emphasized Africa’s potential, citing its youthful population, vast energy resources, and creativity across sectors such as fintech, agribusiness, fashion, and artificial intelligence. He called for transforming these possibilities into sustainable prosperity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063, and the Pact for the Future.
One highlight was a closed-door meeting between the UN Secretary-General, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Strive Masiyiwa, and other African business leaders. Fourteen CEOs and heads of multilateral organizations, representing companies based in 16 African countries with a combined revenue of US$22 billion, called on governments to improve the business environment. They stressed the need for policies supporting industrial growth, regional trade, and long-term investment.
Throughout the day, participants identified key priorities for Africa’s development, including energy access, clean energy adoption, healthcare and education improvement, and support for creative and sports industries. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described Unstoppable Africa as a recognition of Africa’s potential and a determination to transform the lives of African citizens through shared values, environmental stewardship, and equitable partnerships among governments, institutions, and civil society.
A trade session addressed Africa’s position in a changing global economy, exploring how the continent can adapt to a fragmented landscape. WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted Africa as a destination for growth, noting opportunities in industries such as textiles and oil palm. She emphasized the potential for local processing of key mineral reserves to support green energy supply chains.
H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola, spoke about the Lobito Corridor’s potential to boost regional trade and industrial growth by connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. He emphasized private investment’s role in driving production, processing, and exports across Africa. H.E. Duma Boko, President of Botswana, called for harmonized laws and systems to facilitate trade and urged stronger public-private partnerships.
In a session focusing on critical minerals, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana, outlined plans to develop local hubs around mines for processing and value addition within the country. Mr. Paul Hinks, Chairman and CEO of Symbion Power and HYDRO-LINK, emphasized the strategic importance of rare earths and critical minerals, noting the demand for alternative sources to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted that 32 nations are expected to sign energy agreements to expand electrification. African leaders aim to mobilize over $50 billion in affordable finance, supporting Mission 300 to accelerate access to reliable power. Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, called for local financial leadership in driving Africa’s energy transition, noting that increasing institutional investment in infrastructure could significantly close the funding gap.
In a side event, the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) convened a round table on unlocking trade in Africa. Fourteen CEOs with a combined annual turnover of over US$20 billion shared feedback with the Deputy Chair and Commissioner for Economic Development, African Union Commission, H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, calling for harmonized regulations across the continent.
Day Two of Unstoppable Africa 2025 will continue with discussions on trade, digital innovation, food systems, and investment opportunities across the continent.