Held under the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the forum is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 75 countries, including CEOs, investors, heads of state, ministers and development finance institutions.
Here are 10 things to know about this year’s Africa CEO Forum.
1. The forum focuses on Africa’s need for scale
The central message of the 2026 summit is that African economies and businesses must scale up through regional cooperation and shared ownership models. Organisers argue that fragmented national markets are no longer enough in a rapidly changing global economy where scale determines competitiveness.
2. Kigali is hosting for the third time
This is the third time Kigali will host the forum after previous editions in 2019 and 2024. The return of the summit to Rwanda highlights the country’s growing role as a continental hub for investment, innovation and business diplomacy.
3. More than 2,000 delegates are expected
The summit is anticipated to attract over 2,000 participants from more than 75 countries. Attendees include over 1,000 CEOs, global investors, policymakers, development finance institutions and journalists covering Africa’s economic transformation.
4. Several African presidents will attend
At least six African presidents have confirmed participation, including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea and Daniel Chapo of Mozambique.
Several prime ministers and ministers from across Africa are also expected to participate, including Prime Ministers Maria Benvinda Levi of Mozambique, Robert Beugré Mambé of Côte d’Ivoire, Amadou Oury Bah of Guinea and Justin Nsengiyumva of Rwanda.
5. The forum was founded in 2012
The Africa CEO Forum was founded in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media Group and is co-hosted by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. Over the years, it has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for public-private dialogue and investment networking.
6. Discussions will centre on shared ownership
The 2026 edition will focus on three strategic pillars: shared equity through cross-border investment, shared infrastructure to connect African markets, and shared regulatory frameworks to support trade and capital flows.
Organisers believe these approaches are necessary to create continental African champions capable of competing globally.
7. The forum goes beyond discussion
The summit is designed not only as a networking platform but also as a deal-making space. Investment sessions known as “Invest In” meetings connect CEOs and investors directly with government officials to discuss investment pipelines and strategic sectors.
Over the past two editions, the forum has reportedly facilitated more than $1 billion in investment commitments.
8. Key economic sectors will be discussed
Panels and meetings will focus on sectors considered essential for Africa’s long-term growth, including energy and mining integration, infrastructure development, industrialisation, real estate financing, digital sovereignty, cross-border trade and payment systems, and institutional capital mobilisation.
The discussions are expected to examine how African countries can work together to strengthen regional value chains.
9. AfCFTA will be a major topic
Ten years after negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area began, the forum will revisit the continent’s integration agenda and the role of free trade in building larger African markets.
Leaders are expected to discuss how to turn AfCFTA ambitions into concrete investments, industrial partnerships and regional business expansion.
10. Leaders say Africa must “scale or fail”
The summit’s central message is “scale or fail.”
Amir Ben Yahmed, Founder and President of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, said Africa must move beyond “economic patriotism” and embrace cross-border African investment and partnerships.
Meanwhile, Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of International Finance
Corporation, emphasised that Africa already has the capital needed for growth, but must deploy it more effectively through trust, shared risk and regional investment cooperation.
According to Jean Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, the forum represents an opportunity for Africa to transform fragmented success into collective economic strength capable of driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
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