Conversations are underway at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, with a focus on charting a new path towards dismantling the barriers that hinder the development of the private sector and building concrete solutions around three key priorities.

With an increasingly uncertain and brutal global context, stakeholders would deliberate on ways to improve governance, optimise public policies and accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Over the next two days, business leaders, public decision-makers and investors will shape concrete solutions to the continent’s key challenges through debates marked by action and faith in the ability to transform Africa.

More than 10 Heads of State and Government, 900 business leaders and private sector decision-makers from across the continent and beyond are at the forum, entitled: “It’s time to strike a new deal between state and private state.”

Africa has the resources, workforce and market size to scale its industries. However, unlocking the continent’s full potential requires strategic investments in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.

To this end, the policymakers would explore how governments and businesses can best partner to boost local production and create a competitive industrial base.

According to the organisers, the experts would discuss the policies and financing models that can accelerate Africa’s industrial revolution from smart manufacturing to renewable energy investments, and what’s needed to strengthen supply chains and scale up African industries.

Founder of Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed, said: “Our ambition is clear – to make this edition a decisive moment to accelerate the New Deal between states and the private sector in Africa.”