9-10 October 2024
Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, Cotê D’Ivoire
About
The Economic Development Assembly (EDA) brought together heads of state, business leaders, and civil society, as well as philanthropists and African cultural luminaries, to discuss the ample opportunities for development across Africa and advocate for investment strategies to strengthen the continent’s equitable and sustainable growth for years to come.
Specifically, the Assembly outlined a compelling argument for the world's largest economies to increase their contributions to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) this year and help IDA meet its goal of raising $120 billion by December 2024.
Mélina Makissi, Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao, Uche Ralph-Opara, Pierre Dimba and Ada Osakwe (L-R) attend the Economic Development Assembly: Advancing Africa's Future on October 09, 2024 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Image: Getty for Global Citizen.
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Investing in Africa is not just about capital; it’s about recognizing the potential of a continent with boundless resources, talent, and opportunity. The future of Côte d’Ivoire, and Africa at large, is bright, and those who invest today are planting the seeds for tomorrow’s prosperity.
Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners
The Abidjan Accord
The Abidjan Accord urges the world’s wealthiest nations to support Africa’s development by working towards a $120 billion replenishment for the World Bank’s International Development Association's 21st funding round (IDA21), on the best terms possible for the poorest countries, this December.
More than 100 eminent African and international CEOs, world leaders and artists have signed the Abidjan Accord, an urgent call to G20 governments to increase their contributions to IDA, the World Bank’s fund to help lift 77 of the world’s developing nations out of poverty, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
PROGRAM
*Subject to change with new participants to be announced soon.*
WEDNESDAY
12:00 PM
REGISTRATION
4:00 PM
PROGRAMMING
Welcome from Mrs. Nialé Kaba
FEATURING: Mrs. Nialé Kaba, Sophy Aiida, Chebet Chikumbu
Opening Keynote
FEATURING: Nir Bar Dea
Sunrise of the African Century
This session will explore Africa's potential for global leadership in economic growth and innovation. The conversation will highlight key demographic shifts, job creation challenges, and the continent's emerging role in shaping future industries and sustainable development.
MODERATED BY: Nomzamo Mbatha
FEATURING: Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pawal Swiatek, Isabelle Djeni
Beyond the World Bank: Catalyzing Private Investment in Africa
Exploring the critical role of private investment in complementing IDA's efforts to finance development in Sub-Saharan Africa, this panel emphasizes innovative financing mechanisms and the policy frameworks needed to attract private capital. It will also highlight successful projects and strategies to drive new investment commitments in key sectors like infrastructure, energy, and technology.
MODERATED BY: Bola Ray
FEATURING: Hafou Toure, Tshepo Mahloele, Sérgio Pimenta, Jessica Davis Ba
Unified for Health
Providing a platform for African governments to commit to co-financing Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, this panel will highlight its vital role in vaccinating millions of children across the continent. Emphasizing the urgency of scaling up investments in immunization amid ongoing health challenges, the discussion will explore innovations that bridge healthcare and financing needs, fostering nutrition security and sustainable economic growth.
MODERATED BY: Melina Makissi
FEATURING: Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao, Ada Osakwe, Dr. Uche Ralph Opara, Pierre Dimba
Transforming Lives: IDA’s Impact on Energy, Infrastructure, and Employment
This panel will showcase how IDA-funded projects enhance access to sustainable energy and quality infrastructure across Africa, highlighting their significant impact on economic growth and job creation. It will provide a platform for recipient countries to demonstrate the benefits of these investments.
MODERATED BY: Matsi Modise
FEATURING: Ousmane Diagana, Elies Fongers
Rethinking Debt
This discussion will explore innovative debt restructuring strategies, including solutions like debt pause clauses and other forms of debt forgiveness, alongside reforms to Multilateral Development Banks to increase access to capital for high-risk projects.
MODERATED BY: Michael Sheldrick
FEATURING: Adama Coulibaly, Neal Herman Rijkenberg, Jane Lumumba, Abebe Aemro Selassie
Performance by Falana
THURSDAY
7:00 AM
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
9:00 AM
PROGRAMMING
Welcome from Mrs. Nialé Kaba
Fireside with Ajay Banga & Hugh Evans
Strengthening Africa's Future
This high-level panel will bring together African Heads of State to discuss the transformative impact of International Development Association (IDA) funding in addressing key challenges like poverty, infrastructure, and climate resilience, while emphasizing the urgency of securing IDA21 replenishment to support inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.
MODERATED BY: Anne-Marie Dias Borges
FEATURING: H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
Roundtables & Break-out Sessions
Exclusive screening of Shaka iLembe
With a fireside chat with Gbenga Akinnagbe and Nomzamo Mbatha
12:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 PM
PROGRAMMING
Performance by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Creative Economy: How the Entertainment and Music Industries Can Drive Growth
This session will explore the transformative potential of Africa's fast-growing creative economy, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and policy frameworks to harness its non-extractive growth. It will highlight investment opportunities, successful initiatives, and propose the GC Creative Economy Development Initiative to further support innovation and economic progress through Africa’s cultural industries.
MODERATED BY: Sophy Aiida
FEATURING: Nomzamo Mbatha, Shain Shapiro, Franck Kacou, Falana
Changing Sub-Saharan Africa's Growth Trajectory: Insights from Bridgewater Associates
This session will showcase Bridgewater Associates' research on sustainable growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, led by Porter Diehl and Devon Long. It will provide an in-depth analysis of the key findings from their "Changing Sub-Saharan Africa’s Growth Trajectory" report, focusing on how these insights can be applied to guide investments and policy decisions across public and private sectors.
FEATURING: Porter Diehl, Devon Long
Paths to Progress: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Driving investment for Africa’s Future
MODERATED BY: Sophy Aiida
FEATURING: Veronica Almedom, Mike Silvestrini
Responsible Business: Powering the Future
This panel will explore the intersection of private investment and ethical responsibility in Africa, emphasizing strategies for fostering equitable growth while advancing human rights and environmental sustainability. It will address the challenges and opportunities in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, providing practical advice for investors to achieve financial goals while promoting long-term development and positive social impact.
MODERATED BY: Liz Agbor-Tabi
FEATURING: Charlot Magayi, Zouera Youssoufou
Introduction to Abidjan Accord
FEATURING: Mick Sheldrick, Caralene Robinson, Sophy Aiida
Closing Remarks
PARTICIPANTS & MODERATORS
H.E. Mahamed Ould Ghazouani
President of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union
H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo
President of Ghana
H.E. Julius Maada Bio
President of Sierra Leone
Eve Bazaïba
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Alain-Richard Donwahi
President, COP15
H.E Alassane Ouattara
President of Côte d'Ivoire
H.E Robert Beugré Mambé
Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire
Ajay Banga
President of the World Bank
Nir Bar Dea
CEO, Bridgewater Associates
Tshepo Mahloele
Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners
Charlot Magayi
Founder & CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves
Franck Kacou
Universal Music Africa Managing Director
Jane Lumumba
Africa Director, High-Level Climate Champions
Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao
Chief Resource Mobilisation & Growth Officer, Gavi
Matsi Modise
Africa Lead, World Climate Foundation
Mike Silvestrini
CEO, Energea
Neal Rijkenberg
Minister of Finance of Eswatini
Nialé Kaba
Minister of Planning and Development, President of the Board of Governors, African Development Bank
Pepukaye Bardouille
Director of Bridgetown Initiative and Special Adviser on Climate Resilience
Sherwin Charles
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Goodbye Malaria
Shain Shapiro
Executive Director, Center for Music Ecosystems
Ada Osakwe
Entrepreneur and Investor
Devon Long
Co-Head of Investment Implementation, Bridgewater Associates
Hugh Evans
Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen
Adaku Ufere
Energy, Climate & Sustainable Development Advisor, Energy & Sustainability Governor, University of Aberdeen
Taufiq Rahim
Principal, 2040 Ventures
PERFORMANCES BY
Falana
Jeune Lio
APPEARANCES BY
Gbenga Akinnagbe
Hafou Touré
Nomzamo Mbatha
Yvonne Chaka Chaka
HOSTED BY
Sophy Aiida
Our Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Economic Development Assembly (EDA)?
What are the key focus areas of EDA?
Who are the confirmed Speakers?
Where and where is the Economic Development Assembly 2024?
Who can attend?
If I RSVP and can’t make it, can I transfer my invitation?
If I was not invited, can I contact EDA for an invitation?
Who is organizing the EDA?
Are there opportunities for sponsorships and exhibitions at the assembly?
Is there a virtual option for registered persons who cannot attend the event in person?
Where can I pick up my accreditation?
Will there be provision for food and beverages at the Assembly?
What are the accommodation options for attendees?
Is there a dress code for the Assembly?
Where can I apply for a Press Pass?