UN Global Compact partners with the Africa CEO Forum 2024.

Join the UN Global Compact in Kigali for a series of side events at Africa's largest annual private sector event.

2000 business leaders, investors and policy makers from Africa and around the world will converge in Kigali, Rwanda at the 2024 Africa CEO Forum. 


The Forum, which is the largest international meeting of the African private sector in Africa, will be two days of conferences, debates and high-level meetings dedicated to highlighting the driving role of the private sector in the development of the continent.


This year, the UN Global Compact partners with the Africa CEO Forum, and will participate in the Forum exhibition while also hosting a series of side events from 15 - 17 May as follows:


1. Rwanda CEO Roundtable

15 May 2024, 10.00 -11.30 

(invitation only)


This event will gather prominent businesses from Rwanda's private sector. This is a follow-up of the CEO Roundtable that ASG Sanda Ojiambo convened on 22 October 2022 in Kigali, which gathered 17 CEOs of various sectors, including the CEO of the Private Sector Federation and the Rwanda Development Board. The participants in this initial high-level event recommended the setting up of a Global Network in Rwanda, a process initiated in June 2023 with recruiting a Country Manager. The Rwanda Roundtable will enable updates on the country's sustainable development trajectory, the support the private sector expects to play its role, and the opportunities with the Global Compact for enhanced ambitions.


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2. UN Global Compact Africa Connect - Welcome & Networking Event

15 May 2024, 17.00-19.00 

(UNGC participants and invitation only)


The UN Global Compact Africa Connect is a welcoming event and a unique networking opportunity. It will take place on the eve of the Africa CEO Forum, bringing together all African participants of the UN Global Compact for the first time. Exclusively open to UN Global Compact members, this event is expected to attract around 100 participants. It's a chance to gain valuable insights into the UN Global Compact's Africa Strategy 2024-2025, discover the new benefits of a Global Compact membership, and expand your professional network.


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3. Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Conversations

16 May 2024, 10.30-12.15 (invitation only)


The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) is focused on positioning Africa as the world's premier business, trade, and investment destination. It keeps the conversations and connections to provide a high-level platform for amplifying and accelerating Africa's business, trade, and investment opportunities and solutions. For that reason, GABI will be taking the chance to hold GABI Conversations during the Africa CEO Forum on 16 May in Kigali, Rwanda. Under the GABI theme of Digital Transformation – the key to Africa's inclusive economic growth and prosperity, GABI will bring together a small group of key stakeholders to engage in targeted solution-oriented conversations.


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4. Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) CEO Roundtable

16 May 2024, 16.30-18.30 (invitation only)


The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) CEO roundtable is a crucial event to foster actionable dialogue to drive Africa's sustainable economic development. It brings together CEOs and business executives, government representatives, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). This high-level roundtable focuses on two critical themes, gender equality, and climate finance, which are of utmost importance in today's business landscape. The event starts off with remarks from the UN Global Compact and a distinguished guest speaker, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue on Africa's future in gender and climate. ABLC CEOs and business executives will then participate in closed-door discussions, exploring commitments outlined in the Africa Business Leaders' gender statement, which is scheduled for launch the following day. Following the roundtable, CEOs and Business Executives have an exclusive opportunity to engage with DFIs on accessing climate financing.


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5. UN Global Compact High-Level Closing Reception

17 May 2024, evening (invitation-only)


This high-level event aims to galvanize African businesses to take bold and ambitious actions towards driving the continent's sustainable economic development. The event will kick off with keynote addresses delivered by the UN Global Compact, the United Nations, and high-level guest speakers. Following the keynote addresses, we invite you to join us for an exclusive launch of the African Business Leaders' Gender Statement and a cocktail reception to continue these enriching discussions. This is an exciting opportunity for business leaders to network and engage with forward thinkers, doers, builders, changers, movers, and leaders in Africa.


To request an invitation, click here.

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