Africa's business elite prepare for Unstoppable Africa 2025 in New York, where the continent's economic future takes center stage alongside the UN General Assembly.
The African business world is preparing for the fourth edition of Unstoppable Africa, the continent's premier business forum outside Africa. Organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), the landmark event will take place September 21-22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, coinciding with the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Under the theme "The BIG Push: Africa Shapes the Markets," this year's gathering promises to be the most ambitious yet. The event will be hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, with CNN's Larry Madowo and Al Jazeera's Folly Bah Thibault returning as moderators.
On September 21–22 in New York City, Africa’s future takes the spotlight!
— Global Africa Business Initiative (@GlobalAfricaBiz) September 12, 2025
Themed "The Big Push: Africa Shapes the Markets," this year’s Unstoppable Africa event is our most exciting to date, with visionary speakers presenting insights on how Africa can leverage global disruption… pic.twitter.com/hRLyTJK6Jz
Since its 2022 launch, GABI has attracted over 8,000 participants, including 10 heads of state across all editions. Last year's event alone brought together more than 4,000 participants—1,545 in-person and 2,531 virtual attendees—alongside six heads of state, 14 government ministers from 13 countries, over 600 CEOs and business leaders, and 119 speakers from around the world.
The 2025 edition will focus on four key pillars shaping Africa's economic future. Priority topics include critical minerals and value chains, with strategic discussions on harnessing Africa's lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth resources through value addition, processing, and innovation.
The continent holds substantial portions of the world's mineral reserves vital for green energy transitions. Unlocking capital is another main focus, exploring innovative financing methods to support local businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and transformative infrastructure projects.
Sessions will explore how to close Africa's estimated $68-108 billion annual financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions on technology and market access will showcase digital innovation case studies illustrating how African businesses overcome logistical challenges and connect to new markets.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in action will examine deeper regional integration to boost intra-African trade and strengthen supply chain resilience.
A special fireside chat will feature former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, known for his investments in African energy and property sectors, as well as his youth empowerment initiatives.
The event will also highlight how Africa can lead in emerging sectors such as the creative economy and sports. The forum acts as a solution-driven platform connecting leaders to promote investment in Africa's economic growth, with in-depth discussions on energy access and transition, digital transformation, and inclusive growth and trade.
Leading up to the event, GABI has launched a social media campaign asking leaders and influencers to answer "What Makes Africa Unstoppable?" The campaign aims to gather personal reflections and stories using #UnstoppableAfrica and #GABI hashtags.
While the New York gathering is by invitation only, virtual registration remains open to global participants. The initiative is supported through partnerships with the UN Global Compact, Economic Commission for Africa, UNDP Africa, Sustainable Energy for All, International Telecommunications Union, International Trade Centre, and the Office for the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Africa.
As global trade dynamics change amid evolving alliances and supply chain disruptions, Unstoppable Africa 2025 positions the continent not just as a participant but as a market shaper.
The forum reflects Africa's growing confidence in shaping its economic destiny and shows that the continent's transformation story is far from over—it is just gaining momentum.
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