Accelerating the Momentum: Africa Collective Davos 2025 Insights 

Africa’s Investment Push: Local Innovation, Digital Trade, Catalysing Industrialisation and Infrastructure in Focus 

This January, Africa Collective and Host Partner Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat as a Patronage Partner, and Standard Bank and Novartis as Lead Partners, delivered a robust pan-African-led program that advanced Africa’s economic agenda on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. While the insights shared were timely, their relevance extends well beyond that week of the WEF.  The themes explored remain central to Africa’s economic trajectory, from catalysing industrialisation and boosting intra-African trade to harnessing local capital for sustainable growth. 

Noting the importance of advancing Africa’s narrative at global platforms such as Davos, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, shared: “It’s not just about telling Africa’s story—we must also listen. Engaging with diverse perspectives enriches the conversation and fosters meaningful learning.”  

To that end, here are five key themes from the Africa Collective Davos 2025 discussions to further facilitate dialogue and information-sharing as we continue to shape Africa’s growth in 2025 and beyond: 

1. Africa’s Investment Potential: ​​A Shift from Raw Materials to Industrial Powerhouse 

Value-added Industries: The continent has the opportunity to transition from an exporter of raw materials to a hub for value-added production across industries to produce value-added goods. 

Critical Minerals Boom: Africa, home to essential minerals needed for the global green energy transition, has a vast opportunity to move beyond raw material exports to becoming a global processing hub for key resources. “Africa has a significant role to play in the global shift to cleaner energy. The opportunity lies in both expanding energy generation—including providing sustainable access for all African citizens—and harnessing critical minerals essential for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables,” Luvuyo Masinda, CEO of Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group. 

Food Security & Agribusiness: With 1.5 billion people and the world’s fastest urbanisation rate, Africa presents a massive food market. Every day, 300 million metric tonnes of food are transported across the continent—highlighting an untapped investment opportunity in local production, storage, transportation, and value-added processing. 

2. A Young, Skilled Workforce Driving Industrialisation 

With 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the continent has a workforce that will shape global markets in the coming decades. This demographic advantage presents a unique opportunity for businesses willing to invest early in skills development, local production, and infrastructure. 

“With a young, growing population and maturing markets, the continent presents a tremendous chance for businesses to invest in markets poised for exponential growth. The demand will only increase as these markets evolve—now is the time for businesses to act while the opportunity is in its early stages.” — Iain Williamson, CEO of Old Mutual. 

Human Capital Investment: An industrialisation plan will require skills development. Investments in STEM education, digital skills, and vocational training will prepare Africa’s workforce for high-growth industries. 

Women in Infrastructure & Business: African women have demonstrated leadership in large-scale projects and economic sectors. Investors are encouraged to support gender-inclusive development efforts to maximise Africa’s human capital. 

3. Digital Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth 

Africa’s digital economy is accelerating, and investors should consider fintech, AI, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure as key sectors. 

A key example is how Africa is leapfrogging the health data space with mobile health apps & digital platforms transforming access to healthcare.  Last year, Rwanda used digital health platforms to monitor and manage the Marburg virus outbreak, ensuring quick isolation and treatment of cases. 

 “African countries have made significant strides in healthcare on some very tough health issues. Rwanda’s successful management and containment of the Marburg viral outbreak, achieved through a partnership involving multiple stakeholders, is an exemplary model for leading healthcare initiatives on the continent,” shared Dr Lutz Hegemann, President, Global Health and Swiss Country Affairs, at Novartis. 

Tech-Driven Growth: With a young, tech-savvy population, Africa is leapfrogging traditional markets in fintech and health tech, integrating technology faster than many regions, including Europe. Based on projections by Google and the International Finance Corporation, Africa’s internet economy could reach $712 billion by 2050, representing 8.5% of Africa’s GDP. The projections are based on increased internet connectivity, urban population growth, a rising tech talent pool, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and Africa’s commitment to creating a large digital single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

First in Digital Trade: The AfCFTA Secretariat finalised the world’s first Digital Trade Protocol, opening Africa’s markets for investments in e-commerce, digital finance, and data-driven industries. “African countries have agreed to open their markets for investments in the continent’s digital economy, ensuring a regulatory framework to support young entrepreneurs, enabling them to benefit from the projected booming 2050 digital economy,” said H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. 

4. Scaling Infrastructure to Unlock Investment Opportunities 

Infrastructure remains a top priority for economic transformation and investment de-risking. 

Big Projects, Big Impact: African economies are seeking large-scale infrastructure investments, such as Dakar’s electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has the potential to be replicated across major cities. 

PPP Power: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential in bridging Africa’s estimated $3.4 trillion infrastructure gap. Beyond traditional infrastructure, PPPs can enhance skills development, institutional capacity, and industrial growth. 

Policy Consistency: Governments must provide clear, transparent, and stable regulatory frameworks to attract long-term investment. A call was made for African governments to improve governance, harmonise trade policies under the AfCFTA agreement, and reduce barriers to business to attract long-term investment. 

Sustainable Infrastructure: Africa’s industrialisation must align with environmental and social sustainability, ensuring long-term resilience. Investors were urged to structure projects around social impact to enhance economic sustainability. 

Strong Local Leadership & Health Resilience: Improving health outcomes requires strong local leadership with the political will to advance these agendas. Global public and private sector partners play a critical role as enablers in achieving this goal. 

5. De-risking Investments Through Sustainable, Inclusive Strategies 

Companies and investors should avoid viewing Africa as a monolithic market and adopt a segmented, impact-driven approach. 

Regional Approach to Investment: Rather than investing in “Africa,” investors should focus on specific countries or economic blocs, recognising unique opportunities and risks in different regions. 

Local Capital & Partnerships: The growing importance of local capital in driving investments was emphasised. Increased collaboration between foreign and domestic investors can boost project success rates. 

Impact-Driven Investment: Investors were encouraged to consider the broader community benefits of their projects. This impact-oriented strategy not only reduces risks but also strengthens long-term sustainability. 

Looking Ahead: Africa’s Economic Agenda for 2025 and Beyond 

Under the overarching theme “Leading in 2025: From Regional Consolidation to Driving the Global Africa Agenda,” the Africa Collective Davos 2025 program underscored Africa’s evolving role as a key player in the global economy. 

The discussions reinforced how the continent is not just reacting to global trends but actively shaping trade, innovation, and sustainability. Panellists also highlighted that global geopolitical fragmentation and uncertainty will require the continent to build its self-reliance. 

The continent has all the right ingredients to move in this direction: Africa presents unmatched opportunities with its young population, expanding infrastructure, and rapidly growing digital economy. Unlocking its full potential requires strategic investments, robust partnerships, and policies that foster inclusive and sustainable growth.