About 2025 FALS - Forward Africa Leaders

The Forward Africa Leaders Symposium (FALS)

Forging pathways that enable a digitally connected, well-governed, and prosperous Africa.

Building strategic partnerships

Impactful Conversations

Connecting Leaders
for Transformational Collaborations

Digital Transformation

Forward Africa
Leaders Symposium

About FALS Kigali 2026

Cross-border digital infrastructure is no longer just a technical enabler, it is a strategic public good that underpins trade facilitation, financial inclusion, regional value chains, e-governance, interoperability and digital public services. As trade, governance and service delivery become increasingly digital and AI driven, critical and strategic digital infrastructure must be deliberately designed, governed and financed to reflect Africa’s unique systems and national capabilities to operate seamlessly across borders. While policy frameworks and flagship projects may be in place, national digital capability constrains, fragmented national policies, regulatory misalignment, limited institutional coordination, capacity gaps, siloed investments and limited mechanisms for translating policy ambition into inclusive, measurable outcomes impede interoperability, scale and trust across borders. Without leadership consensus on what digital infrastructure means for Africa’s unique systems and national capabilities, digital transformation risks reinforcing fragmentation rather than enabling continental integration and sustainable development.

Strategic Partners

Thematic Focus

Leveraging data for efficient and effective e-governance

Digital corporation and identity

Financing strategic Digital Public Infrastructure

Advancing disruptive financial systems for efficient and affordable digital services.

Regulatory frameworks for safe data sharing

Leveraging data to amplify financial inclusion and digital empowerment for women and youth development through

Accelerating cross-border data flows

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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What to do in New York

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.

Nasdaq, New York

events@forwardafricaleaders.com

Objectives

Spotlighting the potential of data in driving Africa’s Digital Economy and Promoting digital access and financial inclusion

Elevating the role of investments and partnerships to accelerate the implementation of the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy

Harnessing the potential of data for efficient and effective government services

Fostering collective action to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA protocol on Digital Trade

Creating a platform for advocacy and partnerships to promote digital technology in trade and finance.

Elaborating innovative solutions to derisk and accelerate cross-border data sharing

Exchanging insights and aligning on policy initiatives to support efficient and effective data sharing and digital identity

Amplifying the role of private sector players in leapfrogging Africa’s Digital Economy

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. "