Some of the world’s most influential political and business leaders will gather in New York next week for Unstoppable Africa 2026, the flagship annual event of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI).
The event will bring together prominent figures shaping Africa’s economic future, including Aliko Dangote, President & CEO of Dangote Group; Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States on Arab and African Affairs; UN Secretary-General António Guterres; H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana; H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia; H.E. Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana; and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
The gathering comes as global trade routes are being redrawn, competition for critical minerals intensifies, and businesses reassess where future growth and investment opportunities will emerge.
African economies are entering a new growth trajectory as investment, industrialisation and expanding markets create opportunities for greater value creation across the continent. Africa holds some of the world’s most crucial minerals, abundant renewable energy potential, a fast-growing consumer market and the world’s youngest population.
However, the challenge remains to develop the infrastructure, capital and market links African businesses need to operate and expand across borders. Full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area could create a $3.4 trillion market, according to UNCTAD’s 2024 Economic Development in Africa report.
Unstoppable Africa 2026 will take place on September 20-21 at the New York Marriott Marquis, ahead of the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The fifth edition will bring together heads of state, global business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives and policymakers under the theme, “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future”.
The forum will focus on Africa’s value from its resources, markets, businesses and people, while highlighting the investments and partnerships required to translate the continent’s economic potential into thriving businesses and resilient economies.
The event will centre on five key themes: trade, energy, digital transformation, creative industries and sport.
Notable participants from global finance and business include Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of African Finance Corporation; Tidjane Thiam, General Partner of Allied Critical Minerals Fund; Mandy DeFilippo, CEO of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Standard Chartered; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chairperson of Standard Bank Group; Nolitha Fakude, Chairperson of Anglo American South Africa; Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers and Group Executive Director of Prosus; and Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave.
Senior business and finance leaders attending the event include Stephanie von Friedeburg, Managing Director, Public Sector Banking at Citi; Dr James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings; Alain Ebobisse, CEO of Africa50; and Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director and CEO of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.
Technology, innovation and policy voices will include Dr David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer of Sierra Leone, and Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All.
The forum will also spotlight Africa’s creative and sports industries, with participants including Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF; filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu; Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa; and Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA All-Star.
African innovators and entrepreneurs expected to feature at the event include Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star and President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation; Elly Savatia, Founder and CEO of Signvrse; and Norah Magero, Co-Founder and CEO of Drop Access Limited.
GABI, convened by the United Nations Global Compact, brings together African and global private sector leaders, governments and investors to drive investment into Africa. It is linked to the UN Global Compact and the African Union Commission.
Since its launch, GABI has developed into a major platform for business leadership focused on Africa’s economic development. Unstoppable Africa 2025 attracted more than 6,000 participants, including heads of state, CEOs and development finance leaders from across Africa.
The 2026 edition builds on that momentum by bringing decision-makers together to explore investment, partnerships and opportunities to accelerate the growth of African businesses.
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