About

About Forward Africa Leaders Symposium

The Forward Africa Leaders Symposium (FALS) is a high-level leadership convening dedicated to aligning leaders perspectives to shape Africa’s digital, economic, and governance future. The Symposium provides a neutral, forward-looking space for dialogue between private and public stakeholders for consensus-building and strategic action on Africa’s most critical transformation priorities and shared development goals. Positioned at the intersection of digital transformation, governance reform, infrastructure development, strategic investment and inclusive and sustainable growth, FALS is designed to move conversations toward practical frameworks, partnerships, and policy-relevant outcomes.

Mission

To convene leaders with the resources and mandate to shape Africa’s Digital Transformation journey for sustainable and inclusive development through knowledge sharing, impactful collaborations and collective action

Vision

“Amplify collective action for Africa’s Digital Transformation Agenda”

Core Values

Connect policymakers and investors to unlock financing, innovation, and scalable solutions across key sectors.

Events

Explore our signature events

Global Conversations

Curated platforms to project Africa’s voice in the international arena. It:

•⁠ ⁠Positions African leadership at the apex of global discourse.

•⁠ ⁠Projects continental priorities into international forums with clarity and strategic intent.

•⁠ ⁠Bridges African strategies to global capital, institutional partnerships, and multilateral influence.

Continental Summit

The anchor event of the Symposium, convened on African soil. It is the definitive forum for:

•⁠ ⁠Defining imperatives — establishing what must be done, and why the moment demands it now.

•⁠ ⁠Shaping policy direction — aligning senior leadership on continental priorities with long-term consequence.

•⁠ ⁠Building cross-sector consensus — forging unified, durable responses to the continent's most systemic challenges.

Partners

Co-hosts

Convene Africa

Strategic Partners

Platinum Partners

Media Partner

Pillars

The framework for every Forward Africa conversation.

⁠Leadership Perspectives

Elevating diverse leadership voices that shape policy, business, innovation and Africa’s development agenda through thought leadership and meaningful dialogue.


Impact & Execution

Transforming ideas into measurable outcomes by promoting practical solutions, institutional excellence and accountable leadership.


⁠Strategic Partnerships

Building trusted relationships across governments, businesses, development institutions and civil society to unlock collaboration and shared value.


Sustainable & Inclusive Development

Advancing policies and investments that promote economic resilience, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and equitable opportunities for all.


⁠Innovation & Investment

Catalyzing innovation, digital transformation and investment to create competitive, resilient and investable ecosystems across Africa

Thematic Focus Areas

The framework for every Forward Africa conversation.

Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence

Advancing digital public infrastructure, AI governance, emerging technologies and digital inclusion.


Infrastructure Development

Accelerating investment in digital, energy, transport and social infrastructure to support economic transformation.


Capital Mobilization & Investment

Unlocking innovative financing, development finance, private capital and investable ecosystems for sustainable growth.


Governance & Public Policy

Strengthening institutions, regulatory frameworks and public-private collaboration to enable inclusive development.


⁠Trade, Markets & Regional Integration

Expanding market access, intra-African trade, value chains and cross-border partnerships through regional cooperation.


⁠Human Capital & Future Leadership

Developing leadership capacity, empowering youth and women, and building the skills needed for Africa’s future economy.


Climate, Energy & Sustainability

Promoting resilient energy systems, climate finance and sustainable development pathways that support long-term prosperity.

Leadership

Meet our board

H.E. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane

H.E. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane

Prime Minister and Head of State of the Kingdom of Lesotho

H.E Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

President of Namibia

H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Former President of the Republic of Ghana

H.E. Selma Bakhta Mansouri

H.E. Selma Bakhta Mansouri

APRM Focal Point Committee and Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Responsible for African Affairs

H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre

H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre

CEO, APRM

H.E. Wamkele Mene

H.E. Wamkele Mene

Secretary General AfCFTA Secretariat

H.E. Veronique Herminie

H.E. Veronique Herminie

First Lady of the Republic Seychelles

H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow

H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow

First Lady of the Republic of the Gambia