Africa Rises as a Key Player in Shaping Global Markets at Unstoppable Africa 2025

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

New York — Africa is increasingly positioned as a vital driver of global economic transformation, with the upcoming Unstoppable Africa 2025 set to underscore the continent’s momentum. The event, scheduled for September 21-22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York during the UN General Assembly week, aims to highlight Africa’s strategic role in shaping future markets under the theme “The BIG Push: Africa Shapes the Markets.”

Addressing this year’s focus, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, emphasized the continent’s progress and its burgeoning influence on the world stage. “Africa’s voice in the global economy is going stronger by the day,” she stated, noting the remarkable growth in areas like sustainable power, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development.

Ojiambo conveyed confidence that Africa is no longer just a participant but “a driver of global growth,” adding that the platform aims to turn ambition into action through meaningful partnerships, investments, and policy changes. She highlighted the role of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), launched in 2022, which convenes key stakeholders across private and public sectors to cultivate innovative collaborations aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its launch, GABI has brought together over 8,000 participants—including over 10 heads of state, investors, business leaders, artists, sports personalities, and UN partners—further elevating Africa’s story of progress and resilience. The initiative doesn’t only operate in New York; it also maintains a strong presence across the continent, with engagements in Kigali, Abidjan, and Accra.

Looking ahead to the 2025 event, Ojiambo revealed that notable figures such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and presidents from Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Sierra Leone will participate in a high-level discussion on Africa’s economic future. The agenda includes strengthening regional trade, digital innovation, fostering self-sufficiency, attracting sustainable investments, and boosting education and creative sectors.

“The world is watching with renewed interest,” Ojiambo said. “Africa’s story is one of progress, leadership, and innovation. Every global challenge—be it energy, digital transformation, or resource management—can find solutions here.”

She urged stakeholders and the media to amplify Africa’s achievements and potential. “Africa is a lot more than we see on the surface. It is a continent full of jewels—resilient, ambitious, and ready to shape tomorrow’s markets.”

The event promises stimulating discussions and actionable insights, with a lineup of distinguished speakers, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and engaging topics such as maximizing intra-Africa trade through the Continental Free Trade Agreement, scaling digital ecosystems, and building sustainable infrastructure.

As registration for the event opens, Ojiambo encouraged global participation, whether in person or virtually, emphasizing that Unstoppable Africa 2025 will be the most comprehensive dialogue on Africa’s role in the global economy this year—a catalyst for concrete action well beyond the forum.

For more information and to register, interested parties are encouraged to join this landmark event that celebrates Africa’s unstoppable drive towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.