GABI Calls for Bold Reimagining of Africa’s Economic Narrative

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has released its Unstoppable Africa 2024 Executive Summary, outlining transformative strategies to reshape Africa’s economic narrative and accelerate sustainable growth.

The report emphasizes the need for an inclusive financing model that leverages concessional financing, private sector investment, and domestic resource mobilization. It also calls for African institutions to take the lead in shifting global risk perceptions and advancing innovative financial solutions to de-risk projects and secure long-term investments. 

Now in its third year, Unstoppable Africa has become the premier Africa-focused event in New York during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week. The 2024 edition, held on September 25-26, brought together over 4,000 participants, including six Heads of State and Government, 14 government ministers, and top business leaders, alongside key figures from sports, music, and creative industries.

Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the report’s significance: “The GABI 2024 Executive Summary captures the groundbreaking solutions and impactful discussions from Unstoppable Africa. This report not only reflects our progress but also serves as a call to action for continued collaboration and ambition.” 

The Unstoppable Africa 2024 Executive Summary highlights significant advancements in:

• Energy Access & Transition – The Mission 300 initiative aims to provide clean energy access to 300 million Africans by 2030, with successful mini-grid solutions in Togo, Mauritania, and Ghana. The report stresses the importance of empowering SMEs in Africa’s energy transition by bridging finance and climate action knowledge gaps.
• Digital Transformation – Africa’s rapid technological adoption and youthful population are driving economic growth. The report highlights digital upskilling programs and the launch of Itana, Africa’s first Digital Economic Zone, enabling businesses to incorporate online and access African talent remotely.
• Creative Industries – Africa’s fashion, film, music, and entertainment sectors are recognized as powerful economic drivers that create jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen the continent’s global brand.
• Sports & Economic Growth – The report advocates for modern sports infrastructure and continental leagues, citing initiatives like the Queens of the Continent Foundation and the NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Award, which create opportunities for young athletes and entrepreneurs. 

GABI will host the 4th Unstoppable Africa forum on September 21-22, 2025, in New York, alongside the UN General Assembly. The event will once again bring together key stakeholders from the private sector, governments, and policymakers to develop actionable strategies for Africa’s economic growth.

Additionally, GABI will hold GABI Bridges events throughout the year, including a side event at the Africa CEO Forum on May 12-13 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to facilitate focused discussions leading up to the main forum.

To access the Unstoppable Africa 2024 Executive Summary Report and learn more about GABI’s initiatives, visit https://gabi.unglobalcompact.org/.