Past, Present, Future: The role of the public sector and strategic policymaking in enabling Africa's development

This panel delves into the powerful impact of the African diaspora in driving the expansion of African ventures. Featuring a diverse group of speakers—diaspora returnees launching businesses in Africa, to entrepreneurs scaling operations across the continent and beyond, and strategists raising international capital—this discussion will explore the unique challenges and strategies of diaspora-driven entrepreneurship. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging global networks, navigating cultural dynamics, and employing innovative funding models to effectively scale businesses and create a supportive ecosystem for pan-African and global growth

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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 influence in sports and gaming is on the rise, with exceptional talent reshaping global leagues and innovative gaming startups gaining international attention. This panel will explore scaling Africa’s gaming ecosystem, advancing sports infrastructure, attracting international investment, and the role of technology in connecting African gamers and athletes with global audiences. The discussion will also cover what it will take to foster talent development and empower youth to reach global prominence and position Africa as a global leader in sports and gaming.

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