Africa’s global rise: Economic voice, leadership and trade
Unlocking Africa's business narrative: A new era of global Influence
Across boardrooms, policy panels and international summits, Africa’s economic voice is growing louder and more influential. At Africa Unlocked 2025, panellists and thought leaders explored how African economies were repositioning themselves not only as growth markets but as strategic global players with something vital to offer: perspective, innovation and leadership.
Africa’s voice is becoming an economic force
For decades, Africa’s place in the global economy has been framed through deficit: what it needs, what it lacks and what must be done for it. Narratives frequently placed Africa on the receiving end of policy, trade and capital decisions. Today, a new tone is taking root.
This year’s Africa Unlocked summit cast a spotlight on how Africa’s economic voice is not just being heard; it’s being asserted. Most importantly, African representatives are not only included in the room but helping shape the agenda, too.
During the panel, it was emphasised that Africa was actively redefining its narrative and asserting its voice on the global stage. This involves showcasing the continent's creativity and investment potential, as well as highlighting homegrown achievements and solutions. The goal is to move beyond negative perceptions and tell a positive story, ensuring that Africa's image is shaped by its own leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Voice, as highlighted in this discussion, is about more than volume. It is about the power to influence markets, attract capital, negotiate terms and define value. When Africa’s economic voice is present in international climate negotiations, financial reform talks and trade agreements, it becomes a competitive asset, not just a cultural one.
When African leaders drive policy conversations, shape trade frameworks and define strategic agendas, it marks a powerful shift from marginalised to meaningfully central.
Africa’s rising economies are reshaping global outlooks
Africa is not one story: it is 54 distinct markets, with many at very different stages of development. Still, common threads of growth are emerging. From Ghana’s renewable energy commitments to Kenya’s fintech boom, Africa’s rising economies are pushing forward with agility and innovation. The energy is bottom-up: youth led, tech fuelled and policy supported.
According to UNCTAD, ‘In 2024, foreign investment in the continent shot up by 75% to reach $97 billion, representing 6% of global FDI, compared to a 4% share the year before’. Nations such as Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria continue to attract record capital in sectors such as fintech, green energy and logistics. This is not only about economic growth; it’s about influence.
It’s important to note that this shift is not coincidental; it is strategic. Investment in youth, infrastructure and digital ecosystems has laid the groundwork for inclusive growth that reaches far beyond capital cities and formal sectors, and entrepreneurs are leading the way.
More than just traditional economic indicators, the panel highlighted the success of other sectors such as art and sport in showcasing Africa's influence and potential. African artists, such as Dr Esther Mahlangu and Laduma Ngxokolo, were celebrated for shaping global perceptions and drawing on indigenous knowledge systems to create internationally recognised motifs and brands.
Diaspora and diplomatic agency
Africa’s global business influence extends far beyond its borders. The diaspora, often called the ‘sixth region’ of the continent (State of the African Diaspora), is increasingly active in shaping Africa’s reputation and economic pathways. African professionals are rising in multinational boards, policy circles and investor forums, advocating for a rebalanced global conversation.
Nakampe Molewa highlighted the significant presence of African talent on the global stage, noting, "If you look at the NBA right now, more than 50 players are of African descent. There are (many of) these powerful narratives that sport has this exceptional ability to unearth.” This widespread success of African professionals in prominent international fields powerfully reinforces the growing influence and impact of the African diaspora.
At the summit, this was framed as ‘entrepreneurial diplomacy’. Rather than waiting for traditional embassies to define the agenda, business leaders are using influence, networks and narratives to open doors.
Diaspora remittances, already a $100 billion annual flow (GFRID), are being converted into capital for impact funds, venture rounds and SME support. What was once an act of support has become a strategy for sovereignty.
Multilateralism and the reform of global systems
Africa is not just making noise; it is making moves. Initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the UN’s support of sovereign credit reform and business-led cross-border initiatives are cementing Africa’s role as a vital voice in multilateral platforms.
As the panel noted, global systems must evolve if they are to serve a multipolar world. Africa’s insistence on fair representation in forums such as the G20 and IMF reflects a broader desire: not just to be included but to influence outcomes.
This is about correcting bias, yes, but also about designing systems for the future, one in which Africa is not an afterthought but a co-architect.
When asked about the crucial role of African leadership in shaping global perceptions and asserting its agenda, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka responded by emphasising the importance of proactive communication and strategic messaging. She stated, "I would have answered the questions that were not asked. Something that I've also learned with the media is that you must listen to what they ask, but you must go there with a deliberate agenda of your own, the things you want to say and have to say."
This highlights the need for African leaders to not just react to external narratives but to actively drive their own, ensuring their priorities and achievements are clearly articulated on the world stage. This is how Africa’s global business influence takes action, not merely responding to the world but helping shape it.
Africa’s momentum is unstoppable
With youthful demographics, increasing intra-African cooperation and a strong base of innovation, Africa is positioned to lead, not follow. That momentum is more than economic. It is cultural, political and strategic.
At the core of it is belief: belief in African capacity, creativity and contribution. The more Africa shows up on the global stage as a trade partner, investor, policymaker and cultural influencer the more the narrative must adjust to reflect what is already true.
“Not just for us, South Africa, but also for Africa, because if one of us wins on the continent, all of us win. It's always important for us to keep that in mind," reminded Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Africa Unlocked 2025 has made it clear: Africa is not emerging. It has arrived.