The Forward Africa Leaders Symposium (FALS) is a high-level leadership convening dedicated to aligning leaders perspectives to shape Africa’s digital, economic, and governance future. Forward Africa Leaders Symposium 20K+ Online Streams 200+ Participants 20+ Speakers

Aligning Leadership Perspectives for Impact

The Forward Africa Leaders Symposium (FALS) is a high-level leadership convening dedicated to aligning leaders perspectives to shape Africa’s digital, economic, and governance future. The Symposium provides a neutral, forward-looking space for dialogue between private and public stakeholders for consensus-building and strategic action on Africa’s most critical transformation priorities and shared development goals. Positioned at the intersection of digital transformation, governance reform, infrastructure development, strategic investment and inclusive and sustainable growth, FALS is designed to move conversations toward practical frameworks, partnerships, and policy-relevant outcomes.

Organiser

Co- Host

Strategic Partners

Why New York

The United Nations General Assembly in New York is a melting pot for leaders, including private sector players and investors to discuss emerging global issues and align on how to address them.

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Our Speaker Network

Chairman, KGL Group
Alex A. Dadey
Prime Minister and Head of State of the Kingdom of Lesotho
H.E. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane
Former President of the Republic of Ghana
H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
First Lady of the Republic of the Gambia
H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow
Secretary General AfCFTA Secretariat
H.E. Wamkele Mene
CEO, APRM
H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre
CEO and President MTN Group
Mr. Ralph Mupita
Group CEO, Safaricom Group
Peter Ndegwa
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The Venue

An excellent venue to drive investment and digital advancement. Situated in Times Square, New York one of the most active trading markets and home to the tech community, the Nasdaq has been chosen as the host venue for the 2025 Forward Africa leaders Symposium. We are convening Africa’s leaders to spotlight the African Digital Ecosystem by facilitating strategic partnerships and driving investments to accelerate economic integration.

events@forwardafricaleaders.com

Pillars

Innovation, Investment & Private Sector Engagement

Connect policymakers and investors to unlock financing, innovation, and scalable solutions across key sectors.

Inclusion, Skills & Future of Work

Promote digital transformation that is people-centred, inclusive, and anchored in skills development, youth empowerment, and gender equity.

Leadership, Policy & Institutional Reform

Foster leadership capacity, regulatory coherence, and institutional effectiveness to manage Africa’s digital and economic transitions.

Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity

Promote robust, inclusive, and sustainable digital infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth, service delivery and continental integration.

Digital Governance & Public Sector Transformation

Advance the adoption of e-governance, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and data-driven public administration aligned with African Union frameworks and Agenda 2063.

PARTNERSHIP

⁠⁠Enhance partnerships in digital payments to promote cross border trade.

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight Africa’s burgeoning Digital and Financial Sectors to facilitate collaborations and investments for long term impact.

POLICY

Highlight policy actions to promote favorable licensing regimes to advance cross-border data sharing and standardized digital identity for an effective and efficient digital economy.

E- GOVERNANCE

Advance e-governance as a catalyst to accelerating the implementation of Africa’s Digital Transformation Agenda.

DIGITAL ACCESS

Promote digital access and financial inclusion to foster women and youth development

COLLECTIVE ACTION

⁠Foster collective action to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

PARTNERSHIP

⁠⁠Enhance partnerships in digital payments to promote cross border trade.

The Steering Committee

President, Africa Business Council

Dr. Amany Asfour

CEO, ABAN

Fadilah Tchoumba

Executive Director and Founder Forward Africa Leaders Symposium

Hannah Awuku

Founder, Baobab Intelligence (BI)

Tonisha Tagoe

Chairman Aceline BCNJ Founder& Former CEO, Alexpay

Moses Kanduri

Africa's data is one of our most valuable resources, yet it's often commercialized outside our continent. The AFCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade is changing that by ensuring data generated in Africa is managed and commercialized here, creating opportunities for our businesses and investors. This step is crucial for Africa's competitiveness in the global digital market. #DataForAfrica #DigitalSovereignty "

AFCFTA SECRETARIAT

H.E. WAMKELE MENE SECRETARY GENERAL

The AFCFTA is opening up new opportunities for youth and SMEs, empowering them with access to larger markets across the continent. With digital trade regulations in place, Africa's youth and small businesses can now expand, innovate, and take full advantage of the digital economy. This is how we build a future of prosperity for all.

AFCFTA SECRETARIAT

H.E. WAMKELE MENE SECRETARY GENERAL

Africa's digital future is not just about innovation but also solving critical political and economic challenges. With initiatives like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), we are reducing the $5 billion annual cost of currency convertibility, making it easier for businesses across Africa to thrive.

AFCFTA SECRETARIAT

H.E. WAMKELE MENE SECRETARY GENERAL

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) is creating a digital bridge across Africa, boosting economic opportunities and reducing poverty. For AFCFTA to reach its full potential, we must commit to building robust digital infrastructure and advancing seamless digital trade protocols. Together with central banks, regulators, and businesses, we are crafting the future of Africa's digital economy

FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

H. E. NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO

Our continent's future lies in harnessing the transformative power of digital technologies like artificial intelligence. From improving health care to enhancing education, Al has the potential to solve Africa's most pressing challenges. But to ensure ethical use and widespread benefits, we must invest in education, especially in STEM fields, and prepare our youth to lead this revolution. "

FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

H. E. NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) is creating a digital bridge across Africa, boosting economic opportunities and reducing poverty. For AFCFTA to reach its full potential, we must commit to building robust digital infrastructure and advancing seamless digital trade protocols. Together with central banks, regulators, and businesses, we are crafting the future of Africa's digital economy

FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

H. E. NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO

Press & Forward Leaders Perspective