Africa is no longer waiting; it is taking charge of its economic destiny. On the eve of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, world leaders, top executives, innovators, and cultural icons will gather in New York for Unstoppable Africa 2025 (GABI), the most influential African business forum outside the continent. Organized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union, the event will position Africa at the center of global economic conversations.
With the theme “The Great Push: Africa Shapes the Markets”, GABI 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment. Amid global trade tensions, shifting alliances, and supply chain disruptions, Africa faces historic opportunities to leverage its resources, unlock its economic potential, and lead the transformation of global markets. Since its launch in 2022, GABI has brought together over 8,000 participants, including heads of state, investors, philanthropists, tech leaders, artists, and UN representatives. This year’s edition will focus on strategic sectors shaping Africa’s future, from critical mineral value chains and digital transformation to innovative financing and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Speakers include visionary leaders driving Africa’s next chapter. Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star turned philanthropist and investor, will share his insights on energy, real estate, and youth empowerment. Silas Adekunle, Nigerian robotics engineer and creator of the groundbreaking gaming robot “MekaMon”, will discuss how technology and education can equip the next generation of African innovators. Other notable voices include Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom; Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers; Dr. George Elombi, incoming President of the Afreximbank; Samaila Zubairu, CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation; and Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General. Together, these leaders represent Africa’s powerful blend of innovation, investment, and cultural influence.
Ahead of the event, GABI launched a global social media campaign under the hashtags #UnstoppableAfrica and #GABI, inviting leaders and influencers to answer a simple but powerful question: “What makes Africa unstoppable?” The campaign aims to amplify African voices, foster positive narratives, and drive high-impact engagement on platforms such as LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
While in-person attendance at GABI 2025 is by invitation only, virtual registrations are now open for participants worldwide. Coordinated by the UN Global Compact, in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNDP Africa, Sustainable Energy for All, the International Telecommunication Union, the International Trade Centre, and the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, GABI 2025 is more than a forum — it is Africa’s declaration of leadership.
