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.

Learn More

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
Image: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen

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.

Read the Accord

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)?

A two-day Economic Assembly designed to address and dismantle development barriers across the African continent and kick start equitable and sustainable growth.

What are the key focus areas of EDA?

Drive a clear investment case for the world's largest economies to contribute more than $105B to the IDA21 replenishment in December 2024, highlighting both the past achievements and future potential impact of IDA.

Highlighting key areas that require urgent action to increase the continent’s economic and social productivity 

  • Improve access to sustainable energy and climate adaptation.
  • Develop efficient, high-quality infrastructure.
  • Strengthen healthcare systems.
  • Support agriculture, food and nutrition security.
  • MDB and DFI reform

Who are the confirmed Speakers?

Confirmed Speakers include:

  • 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
  • Hafou Touré, Founder and CEO of HTS Partners
  • Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen
  • 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 Silverstrini, CEO, Energia
  • Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Finance of Eswatini
  • Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development, President of the Board of Governors, African Development Bank
  • Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates
  • Nomzamo Mbatha, Global Citizen Ambassador
  • Sherwin Charles, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Goodbye Malaria
  • Pepukaye Bardouille, Director of Bridgetown Initiative and Special Adviser on Climate Resilience
  • Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners
  • Sophy Aiida, Cameroonian actress, international host, television presenter, and philanthropist
  • Pepukaye Bardouille, Director of Bridgetown Initiative and Special Adviser on Climate Resilience

Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Singer-songwriter

Where and where is the Economic Development Assembly 2024?

Palais Des Congrès, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, Cotê D’Ivoire

Who can attend?

Invited guests who have RSVP’d

If I RSVP and can’t make it, can I transfer my invitation?

Yes, absolutely. Please make this request to the person who invited you and we will consider alternative options.

If I was not invited, can I contact EDA for an invitation?

Yes - you can express your interest in attending here. Someone from Global Citizen will be in touch.

Who is organizing the EDA?

Presented by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, in collaboration with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and Harith General Partners.

Are there opportunities for sponsorships and exhibitions at the assembly?

Yes, please contact Chebet Chikumbu at chebet@globalcitizen.org to explore opportunities.

Is there a virtual option for registered persons who cannot attend the event in person?

No, unfortunately the event will not be streamed live.

Where can I pick up my accreditation?

Registration tables and directional signs to the registration tables will be available and clearly marked at the Sofitel Hotel from the 9th October.

Will there be provision for food and beverages at the Assembly?

Beverages (tea, coffee, water and soft drinks) will be provided throughout the duration of the assembly for attendees. Dinner will be provided on the 9th October. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on the 10th October.

What are the accommodation options for attendees?

Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau and Moevenpick Hotel Abidjan.

Is there a dress code for the Assembly?

Smart/Corporate attire

Where can I apply for a Press Pass?

Please complete this application form for media credentials for October 9-10. Applications close on Friday October 4.