African and global political, business and investment leaders are set to gather in New York for Unstoppable Africa 2026, the flagship annual convening of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), as the continent seeks to attract investment, expand trade and strengthen its role in the global economy.
The fifth edition of the forum 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.
Among the headline speakers are Aliko Dangote, President and 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; Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama; Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko; and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Held under the theme “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future,” the gathering will focus on the investment and partnerships needed to support African businesses, industrialisation and economic growth.
The discussions will centre on five areas: trade, energy, digital transformation, creative industries and sport.
Africa’s economic prospects have attracted increasing international attention as global companies and governments reassess supply chains, energy markets and access to critical minerals. The continent also has significant renewable energy potential, a rapidly expanding consumer market and the world’s youngest population.
A major focus will be the ability of African countries to deepen regional trade and build larger integrated markets. According to UNCTAD’s 2024 Economic Development in Africa Report, full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could create a market worth approximately $3.4 trillion.
The forum will bring together heads of state, corporate executives, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and representatives from the creative and sports industries.
Business and finance participants include Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of African Finance Corporation; Tidjane Thiam, General Partner of Allied Critical Minerals Fund; Mandy DeFilippo, CEO for 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.
Other senior financial and investment figures include Stephanie von Friedeburg, Managing Director of 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 and policy discussions will feature 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 creative and sports sectors will also feature prominently, with participants including Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival; Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu; Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa; and WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike.
African entrepreneurs and innovators taking part 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.
The United Nations Global Compact convenes GABI and brings together African and international businesses, governments, and investors to increase investment and private-sector participation in Africa. The 2026 gathering follows the 2025 edition, which organisers say attracted more than 6,000 participants, including heads of state, corporate executives and development finance leaders.
As global competition for capital, resources, and new markets intensifies, Unstoppable Africa 2026 is expected to provide a platform to discuss how African economies can attract investment, develop businesses, and strengthen cross-border economic partnerships.
