African CEO Forum: The continent's largest annual private sector event
Kigali hosts Africa's largest private sector gathering
Written by: Mohammed Omran
The forum returns African CEOs In 2026, it will bring together more than 2,800 CEOs, investors, policymakers and global business leaders, over two days of high-level dialogue, partnership building and deal-making.
African CEO Forum: Africa's largest annual private sector event
The African CEO Forum 2026 is the largest private sector gathering in Africa, continuing its role as a platform that brings together the continent’s most influential decision-makers to shape the future of African business.
Annual Summit of the African CEO Forum
This year's forum is being held in Kigali, Rwanda, at a time when global competition for capital is intensifying, and African companies have a greater need to expand than ever before.
The forum represents a key platform for economic dialogue and building strategic partnerships. Over two days, during which a series of executive dialogues, sectoral discussions, and networking opportunities will take place, participants will discover ways to open new investment horizons and enhance Africa’s position in the global economy.
Participants at the forum are expected to discuss key issues that will help develop future economic resilience in learning about agricultural self-sufficiency, financial innovation, digital acceleration, and industrial capacity, which can only be achieved through the private sector.
The African CEO Forum offers a unique opportunity for direct engagement with leaders from across the public and private sectors. For business leaders, it serves as a platform to build strategic partnerships, identify new markets, and access investment opportunities. The forum provides investors with direct access to high-growth sectors and a range of potential deals. For policymakers, it offers a platform to engage with the private sector and shape policies that support growth.
Over two days, participants will connect with their counterparts from across the continent and beyond, exchange ideas on emerging trends, and contribute to conversations that will shape Africa’s economic future.
It is worth noting that the 2025 African CEO Forum brought together decision-makers from the public and private sectors over two days of high-level discussions, negotiations and workshops.
The previous forum was held under the slogan: Can a new agreement between the state and the private sector give the African continent a chance to succeed? The forum focused on improving cooperation between the public and private sectors to promote sustainable development.
