Keynotes
|
Saturday
|
10:30 am
Klarman Auditorium

Morning Keynote: The AfCFTA Opportunity: Is Africa Ready to Unleash a New Era of Trade?

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to transform Africa’s economic landscape, the potential for intra-African trade is immense. However, realizing this promise requires overcoming political, infrastructural, and logistical hurdles. This panel will examine lessons from other regions and outline concrete strategies to accelerate AfCFTA’s impact, fostering a truly integrated and competitive African market

Morning Keynote: The AfCFTA Opportunity: Is Africa Ready to Unleash a New Era of Trade?

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to transform Africa’s economic landscape, the potential for intra-African trade is immense. However, realizing this promise requires overcoming political, infrastructural, and logistical hurdles. This panel will examine lessons from other regions and outline concrete strategies to accelerate AfCFTA’s impact, fostering a truly integrated and competitive African market

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 10:30 AM
Klarman Auditorium

Other Sessions

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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten Hives 207
Africa Finance Corporation | presentation and networking
Join AFC to explore innovative financing, infrastructure growth, and career opportunities shaping Africa’s future.
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Africa Finance Corporation | presentation and networking

Join the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) for an insightful session on how innovative financing solutions are transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape. This session will explore AFC’s approach to de-risking investments, fostering sustainable industrialization & resource monetization, and driving climate resilience. Learn how AFC is bridging the continent’s $100 billion annual infrastructure gap through strategic partnerships, project development and extensive cutting-edge financial instruments. Plus, discover AFC’s exciting career opportunities, competitive benefits, and impact-driven work culture.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten Hives 207
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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten Hives 306
In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge
Join a Q&A with Dr. Patrick Njoroge on monetary policy, financial regulation, and Africa’s economy.
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In Conversation: Patrick Njoroge

[Students only] Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Patrick Njoroge, former Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya. This is a unique opportunity for students to engage in an open and informal conversation, gaining insights into Dr. Njoroge’s career and his advice for African students preparing to start their careers. Bring your questions and be part of a dynamic discussion!

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten Hives 306
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Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 108
Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets
This panel explores value addition, branding, and investment to transform Africa’s agricultural sector and boost growth.
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Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets

Africa’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on raw commodity exports, with value addition accounting for just 10-15% of total exports. This limits the continent’s ability to fully benefit from global and regional markets for processed goods. Despite decades of efforts to improve subsistence farming, food systems and livelihoods have seen little transformation.

This panel will explore how demand-driven value addition, branding, and storytelling—supported by the right investments and ecosystem partnerships—can drive sector growth, enhance food security, and unlock economic potential. Panelists from across the value chain will discuss key gaps, opportunities, and actionable pathways to create and capture value in Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 108