Kigali Readies for Africa CEO Forum 2026: Six Heads of State to Convene on the Continent's Economic Future
Kigali is once again the stage where Africa gathers to design its economic destiny. On May 14–15, 2026, Rwanda’s capital will become the center of the continent’s economic gravity, hosting the highly anticipated Africa CEO Forum (ACF). This premier gathering serves as the definitive platform where presidents, CEOs, policymakers, and global investors converge to define Africa’s next chapter.
A Convergence of Power and Vision
The 2026 edition is set to be one of the most influential in the forum’s history, drawing more than 2,000 senior decision-makers from over 75 countries. The political and economic significance of the event is underscored by the confirmation of six sitting African Heads of State who will lead the high-level dialogue.
Host President Paul Kagame will welcome a distinguished lineup of peers, including:
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
- Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon
- Daniel Chapo of Mozambique
- Mohamed Cheikh Ould El Ghazouani of Mauritania
- Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea
Alongside these world leaders, the forum will host over 1,000 chief executives and representatives from the world’s leading financial institutions, creating an unparalleled environment for high-stakes dealmaking and policy alignment.
The 2026 Theme: “The Scale Imperative”
This year’s forum tackles a defining challenge for the continent under the theme: “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”
As global power dynamics shift and capital flows are reshaped, the ACF 2026 operates on a clear conviction: to compete globally, African businesses can no longer afford fragmented growth. Discussions will center on three strategic pillars required to build continental scale:
- Shared Equity: Unlocking cross-border investment and mobilizing institutional capital to build multinational African corporate champions.
- Shared Infrastructure: Championing transformative projects that integrate African value chains and serve regional, rather than merely national, needs.
- Shared Frameworks: Harmonizing standards and regulations to enable the free flow of goods and capital under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Building on a Decade of Impact
The 2026 event builds upon the momentum of previous years, where the forum has consistently pushed the boundaries of private sector development.
In 2025, the forum in Abidjan focused on the “New Deal” between the state and the private sector, emphasizing the need for government policies that actively empower entrepreneurs. This followed the 2024 summit in Kigali, which challenged leaders to ensure Africa secured its “seat at the table” in the global digital and green economies.
Kigali: Africa’s Rising Hub
Hosting the event for the third time, Kigali continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international business and diplomacy. Over these two days in May, the city will be more than just a host; it will be a dynamic marketplace where ideas move, partnerships grow, and the continent’s most ambitious decisions are finalized.
As the forum’s leadership has noted: in the current global landscape, African business must either scale or fail.
