The stage is set for the 2025 African Prosperity Dialogues (APD), an event that promises to be a defining moment in Africa’s journey toward economic integration and infrastructure development. Scheduled to run from January 30 to February 1 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), this year’s APD will convene more than 3,000 delegates from 46 countries, including seven African Heads of State.
Organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the event will focus on the theme, “Delivering the African Single Market Through Infrastructure: Invest, Connect, Integrate.”
A Premier Platform for Economic Progress
Speaking at a hybrid press conference held at the AfCFTA Secretariat on January 27, Sidig Faroug Eltoum, CEO of the APN Secretariat, emphasized the event’s magnitude.
“This year’s dialogues will be unprecedented, with diverse global participation and a focus on driving Africa’s infrastructure investments. Over 3,000 delegates and seven Heads of State joining us in Accra reflect the growing momentum for advancing Africa’s prosperity,” he said.
Eltoum acknowledged the partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the warm hospitality of Ghana. He also lauded the media’s role in amplifying the APD’s objectives, stating, “Our collaboration with the media has been instrumental in shaping the dialogue and advancing Africa’s agenda.”
Infrastructure as the Cornerstone of Integration
Rui Pedro Afonso Livramento, Chief of Staff at the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted infrastructure as a key bottleneck impeding intra-African trade.
“Inefficient transport and logistics add up to 40% to intra-African trade costs, disproportionately affecting SMEs. Modernizing infrastructure is critical to achieving the free movement of goods, services, and investments,” Livramento said.
He commended efforts by countries like Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa to address these gaps and called for stronger public-private partnerships to drive the continent’s infrastructure agenda.
High-Profile Delegations and Key Discussions
This year’s APD will feature a stellar lineup of dignitaries, including Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, OPEC Fund President Dr. Abdulhamid Al Khalifa, and Africa Business Council President Dr. Amany Asfour. Additionally, leaders like Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the APN Advisory Council, and AfCFTA Secretary-General H.E. Wamkele Mene will play pivotal roles in shaping the discussions.
The summit will kick off with the ProJet Afrique Exhibition and opening ceremonies at the AICC, followed by thematic sessions on infrastructure funding, transport, and logistics. Day Two will focus on sustainable energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, STEM education, and urban development. The event will culminate in a High-Level Heads of State and Business Leaders’ Dialogue on February 1, including a Presidential Roundtable on policy frameworks for private-sector participation.
Celebrating Africa’s Progress
The summit will conclude with the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner, a black-tie event at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. The gala will honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to Africa’s economic integration and development.
The APD 2025 aims to move Africa closer to realizing the vision of a single, interconnected market. As Livramento aptly put it, “Infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and digital innovation will unlock the transformative potential of the AfCFTA.”
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