Building the Backbone: Leadership, Projects, and Continental Transformation

In 2024, Africa attracted a record $97 billion in foreign direct investment—a 75% increase from the previous year and 6% of global FDI (unctad.org)—driven by transformative projects in renewable energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy. These high-impact initiatives are accelerating sustainable development, enhancing connectivity, and driving technological progress, positioning Africa as a dynamic hub for investment, innovation, and measurable economic, social, and technological outcomes. Yet, despite these gains, Africa continues to face pressing challenges, including critical infrastructure gaps, uneven energy access, climate vulnerability, food insecurity, and limited digital adoption, highlighting the urgent need for strategic collaboration, high-impact investment, and innovative solutions to unlock Africa’s full potential.

Hosted in Kigali, Rwanda—a city renowned for its innovation, resilience, and commitment to sustainable development—APFA 2025 convenes Africa’s foremost leaders, innovators, investors, and development partners. The forum offers a premier platform to showcase transformative projects, forge high-level partnerships, mobilize capital, and scale initiatives that directly address the continent’s most pressing challenges, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. By bringing together decision-makers at the highest level, APFA 2025 seeks to drive actionable commitments that position Africa as a global leader in innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

Strategic Objectives

To harness these opportunities, the event will focus on the following strategic objectives:

a) Infrastructure & Regional Integration – Showcase projects enhancing transport, energy, water, and digital infrastructure while boosting cross-border connectivity and trade.

b) Energy & Climate Solutions – Highlight renewable energy initiatives and climate-resilient projects that expand access, reduce costs, and support sustainable development.

c) Agriculture & Food Security – Present innovative agri-tech and sustainable agriculture projects that increase productivity, strengthen supply chains, and ensure food security.

d) Digital Transformation & Innovation – Promote smart technologies, AI solutions, and digital infrastructure that drive efficiency, economic growth, and innovation.

e) Investment & Strategic Partnerships – Connect project leaders with investors, development partners, and private sector champions to secure funding, technical support, and collaborations.

Key Highlights of the Forum

a) Projects Showcase & Exhibition: Present high-impact projects that blend innovation and sustainability, attracting investment and strategic partnerships.

b) High-Level Collaboration: Facilitate networking and partnership-building among African governments, businesses, civil society, and development partners.

c) Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices: Enable discussions on lessons learned, innovative solutions, and strategies for successful project implementation.

d) Investment & Partnership Opportunities: Connect projects with financiers, investors, and international partners to scale impact.

e) Policy & Strategic Insights: Engage policymakers and thought leaders in dialogue to inform strategies that enhance development outcomes.

f) Recognition & Leadership Awards: Celebrate individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership and driving measurable impact across Africa.