On Friday, September 26th, African business leaders, policymakers, and innovators convened at the World Trade Center in New York City for the Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC), a high-profile side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Co-hosted by BlackHouse Media (BHM), Allison Worldwide, and The King’s Trust Group, the gathering spotlighted Africa’s role in shaping global sustainable development through innovation, investment, and youth empowerment.
The event opened with an exclusive fireside chat featuring Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group. Moderated by Claudine Moore, Managing Director for Africa at Allison Worldwide, the conversation explored Africa’s investment landscape and the urgent need to connect African entrepreneurs with global capital.
“Unlocking Africa’s youth potential, connecting entrepreneurs to global markets, and ensuring inclusive growth are not just aspirations — they are imperatives,” Aig-Imoukhuede declared. Moore emphasized the importance of platforms like ABC in driving action: “Our goal is to create spaces for candid conversations and high-level connections that lead to impact.”
The first panel, Generation Potential — Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access & Opportunity, focused on Africa’s demographic advantage. With nearly 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under 30, and one in five people globally projected to be African by 2030, the panel explored how strategic investments in youth can transform the continent.
Panelists included Shalom Ndiku, Director of Policy, Food4Education; H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone; Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; and Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International. They discussed the intersection of nutrition, education, and skills development as the foundation for Africa’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
The second panel, Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI & Finance, showcased the continent’s growing influence in global industries. Moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President at Goldman Sachs, the session featured Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder & CEO, BHM; and Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV. From fintech to artificial intelligence, the panelists highlighted how Africa’s creative and tech ecosystems are driving innovation and redefining global narratives.
Speakers throughout the event stressed the importance of long-term investment, diaspora engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. According to UNCTAD, foreign direct investment flows to Africa reached $50 billion in 2024, representing 3.7% of global FDI — a testament to growing confidence in Africa’s potential.
The King’s Trust Group reflected on the event’s impact: “Forums like ABC put youth, innovation, and opportunity at the center of Africa’s development agenda. Today was a chance to learn, connect, and commit to investing in Generation Potential.”
As the Africa Breakfast Convos concluded, the atmosphere was charged with optimism. From renewable energy to youth-driven innovation, the message was clear: Africa is not just participating in the global future — it is helping to lead it.
