Transforming African Tourism: Culture & Collaboration at the Core

Africa’s economic potential is immense, but fragmented infrastructure networks continue to hinder cross-border trade, mobility, and investment. This panel will explore how developing coordinated infrastructure projects —across airports, roads, railways, ports, and logistics systems — can serve as a catalyst for deeper regional integration and economic growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends on the ability to move goods, services, and people efficiently. Our esteemed panelists will discuss how harmonized infrastructure investments can break down physical and economic barriers, foster intra-African trade, and create unified networks that propel the continent forward

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For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

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The African genome, one of the most genetically diverse yet understudied, holds immense potential to transform global healthcare. As the cradle of human life, Africa’s genetic diversity is key to understanding the foundations of humanity. Unlocking its secrets could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatments, drug development, and personalized medicine. However, realizing this potential will require significant financial investment, capacity building, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure Africa benefits from these advancements while preventing exploitation.

This panel seeks to answer the following questions: How can understanding the African genome save lives globally? How can Africa become a biotech leader in the genomic era? And crucially, what innovative funding models can be developed to support genomic research in Africa while ensuring equitable returns for African communities?

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