PROGRAM Abidjan, 6-7 March 08
AFRICAN CHAMPIONS: POWERING COMPETITIVENESS An organized and enterprising African private sector has emerged over the past two decades, despite a business climate that remains challenging. Applying innovative methods and original strategies, it has shown its dynamism in the best of times, and its resilience in the worst. But the number and size of major African companies remains small when measured against other emerging regions. The time has come for today s African champions to hoist themselves up to the level of global competitiveness, powering the way for the next generation! Entrepreneurs, managers, but also policy-makers, must rise to this challenge in a world marked by unprecedented technological disruption. Artificial intelligence, big data, robotization and other digital forces are already shaking up entire branches of the economy, and will inevitably impact the business of large African companies, as well as prospects for growth and job-creation. With the economic recovery in Africa starting to take shape, the sixth edition of the ACF will actively confront the future by inviting its,00 participants from the worlds of business, investment and politics in more than 60 countries to create a roadmap for the African private sector over the next decade. How should the continent tackle industrialization in the digital age? How can we accelerate the rise of women and young people into decision-making roles? What new opportunities are offered by the health and education sectors? Why must African businesses undergo a deep transformation in terms of governance? What are the lessons in leadership from Africa s top CEOs? Over two days, more than 00 speakers will debate 40 themes to address this challenge: make the next 0 years of growth a decade of entrepreneurial transformation!
08.0 09.00 OPENING CEREMONY Monday 6 March 08 08.0 0.0 09.00 0.0 OPENING PLENARY SESSION Tech revolutions: widening gap or leapfrog opportunity For more than a century, development followed a similar pattern: consolidate political institutions, grow agricultural productivity, build a manufacturing fabric, and evolve towards heavy industry. This strategy made South Korea, Japan and China rich, and the United States and Western Europe before them. But this model is looking outdated. Robotization, artificial intelligence and digitalization disrupt industrialization policies, reducing their ability to provide employment while bringing profound changes to the business model in several sectors. In Africa, where job creation is urgently needed but many sectors are still underdeveloped, these new conditions offer both risks and opportunities. How can the continent s CEOs and companies adapt in order to turn this historic shift into a catalyst for growth and transformation? What economic policies are needed to conform to the new global dynamic? How does technological disruption change the story in terms of job creation? Education, infrastructure, governance: what structural changes must Africa make to adapt to this new era? 0.0.00 NETWORKING BREAK Monday 6 March 08.00.5.00.5 CEO DIALOGUE THE BIG INTERVIEW: Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever What does it take to become the head of a multinational with more than 70,000 employees in almost 90 countries? How do you run an enterprise on this scale? What business philosophy guides the choice of CEO for a global consumer goods giant when.5 million people are using one of its 400 brands every day? How do you reconcile growth and sustainable development in a highly competitive market? Dutch businessman Paul Polman has been the head of Unilever for more than a decade. He sets out his vision on the major global economic stakes, the current social and environmental challenges, and his strategy for driving change at the heart of a multinational company.
.00.0 WOMEN INITIATIVE PANEL Women as tomorrow s leaders In Africa today, only 5% of the CEOs of major groups are women. And yet the positive impact of female leaders on financial performance is beyond doubt: businesses on the continent with the most women on their boards have an operating profit over 0% higher than industry averages. Why the discrepancy? How can we change the story and accelerate female leadership? The Africa CEO Forum s African Women in Business initiative invites five exceptional CEOs to give their take on the subject. Paths to the top: challenges and keys to success How can African CEOs make their voice heard on the major issues confronting the continent and the world? The importance of women leaders: has changes in attitude globally affected Africa?.00.5 STRATEGIC WORKSHOP (on invitation only) Unlocking renewable energy projects According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Africa needs annual investments of $70 billion to achieve hydroelectric, wind and solar capacity of 90 GW, which will make up 50% of total electricity generation, by 00. Currently, the continent still falls far short of the mark: for solar energy, most of the projects that are emerging are small while, in terms of hydropower, the slow tendering process demoralizes even the most motivated stakeholders. A further setback is that funders tend to be risk averse and are reluctant to make investments without subsidies. In this workshop, financiers, operators and energy ministers will develop concrete solutions to speed up the pace: financial innovation, OTC, better risk distribution, etc..5.45 NETWORKING LUNCH Monday 6 March 08.45 5.00.45 5.00 NATURAL RESOURCES Gas: a $000bn opportunity Mozambique, Ghana, Tanzania, Egypt, Angola, Ethiopia, Senegal, Morocco: gas discoveries on the continent are on the increase, with five of the world s ten largest discoveries in 06 found in Africa. For the first time, the continent has a natural resource at its disposal that could have a direct effect on its development. If the gas can be liquefied offshore for export, like oil, it can also boost electricity production at home and even play a role in making fertilizer. What are the best models for exploiting these deposits to optimize the economic benefits? 4
Investment decisions are not keeping pace with gas discoveries: why? What is the role of government in creating favorable conditions for investment? Gas to power or Gas for fertilizer : what conditions are needed to successfully exploit gas resources in these ways, given that they require large infrastructure investment? The necessity of building transnational gas pipelines.45 5.00 BANKS & FINTECH Financial inclusion: the digital revolution Faced with the boom in smartphones around the world, the digital transformation of the global financial sector is well underway. But while mature banking sectors are weakened by this disruption, with the closure of 48,000 branches in eight years in Europe, and 7,000 in the United States, Africa has been handed a unique opportunity. It can radically increase the number of retail clients and target unbanked populations. Digital transformation is not just a matter of technology: it also calls for real changes in the culture and organization of the existing players, as well as evolutions in the regulatory sphere. How can we build organizations centered on their clients needs? Preparing banks for the digital era and constructing a transformation agenda How to adapt regulatory frameworks for the fintech revolution? How best to use the potential of Big Data?.45 5.00 STRATEGIC WORKSHOP (on invitation only) How can digital transformation deliver impact? Digital transformation can only deliver large-scale and positive outcomes if the continent s private and public sector leaders first clearly analyze the benefits and improvements this change can bring to their citizens, customers or employees and the exact nature of the processes that must be put in place to achieve it. Springboarding off the successful experience of companies (finance, telecommunications, industry and mining) and governments, this workshop will discuss how to develop and follow a digital transformation roadmap. Monday 6 March 08 5.5 6.0 5.5 6.0 INFRASTRUCTURE: CATCH-UP TIME The African Development Bank s latest report, published at the beginning of 08, pushes the annual infrastructure financing deficit further into the red, to the tune of an estimated $70bn- $0bn. Backers, governments, and the private sector all agree on the imperative to act, so why is there still a large gap between needs and provision? Investors and businesses with a proven track record of bringing major projects to fruition give their solutions for making the African infrastructure dream a reality. 5
Eligibility, approval, implementation, financing: what is blocking African infrastructure projects and what will move them forward? Legal framework and political stability: what is the role of government? What are the drivers of success for infrastructure projects in Africa? 5.5 6.0 HEALTH ECONOMY: FINDING A PLACE FOR BUSINESS From Health emergencies linked to Ebola,HIV and the growing Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden caused by tobacco dependency, physical inactivity or unhealthy diets have harmful consequences on Africa s growth and development. While institutions and governments are engaging in universal health care provision, a considerable amount of work must be accomplished to develop high-quality health services that are both preventative and curative, and accessible to a broad spectrum of communities. What role can the private sector play in the face of these challenges? How can it help develop a dynamic health economy capable of generating jobs and investment? What are the opportunities for the private sector in the health economy? Universal health coverage in Africa: how to involve private businesses and entrepreneurs? Health infrastructure, R&D, medical provisioning, e-health, technology: what role can the African private sector play? 5.5-7.5 WOMEN INITIATIVE WORKSHOP In partnership with McKinsey & Company, the Women Initiative Workshop brings together 80 female CEOs for a brainstorming and networking session. Work in progress. 4 5.5 6.0 STRATEGIC WORKSHOP (on invitation only) How can digital transformation deliver impact? Government authorities have a key role to play in facilitating the emergence of a digital economy. Their mission does not only entail adopting and enforcing appropriate and effective regulations but also ensuring that existing infrastructure is leveraged for optimal utilization. The participants in this strategic workshop will work on ways to make governments and regulators true catalysts for digitalization, with the support of all sector players. 6.0 7.00 NETWORKING BREAK 6
Monday 6 March 08 7.00 8.5 7.00 8.0 INVESTING IN STARTUPS Backing tomorrow s champions Startups are the missing link in African innovation. While the number of young African companies is increasing, and incubators are springing up across the continent, venture capitalists are still few and far between. In 06 only $66m was invested in African startups a tenth of the figure for India. Will the recent creation of pan-african programs such as Boost Africa change the story? What will be the impact of the new Africa-centric funds? A look at how the future is shaping up for African startups What are the results from 0 years of investment in African startups? Can tech investment in Africa be profitable? Are there opportunities beyond Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya? 7.00 8.5 CEO BUSINESS CASE Building an African footprint In a session moderated by the Boston Consulting Group, the CEOs of Tsebo the pan-african leader in corporate services and of Attijariwafa Bank will explain in practice how they drew up and implemented their corporate strategies in ten or more African countries. And how they tackled the logistical, cultural and human challenges that accompany such expansion. With intra- African investment accounting for only 7% of total investment, the opportunities for growth within the continent are still very high, making this essential listening for all stakeholders in the private sector. 7.00 8.5 AGRIBUSINESS: RISING TO THE COMPETITIVENESS CHALLENGE Private-sector investment in agriculture and agro-industry is rising in Africa. The figures speak for themselves: $bn invested in palm oil production in Liberia, $.bn in eucalyptus plantations in Mozambique, $50bn in the Nigerian poultry industry. But international competitiveness still poses a challenge to the sector: the average cereal yield, for example, remains four times lower than in East Asia. Between rationalizing the cost of inputs, the use of new technology, seed improvement, and optimization of the cold chain, what are the winning strategies that will raise African agribusiness to international standards? 7
How to reduce the cost of inputs, logistics, and energy? Feed, varieties, seeds, mechanization, irrigation: strategies for improving yield Intelligent agriculture and new technology: their role in raising competitiveness 4 7.00 8.5 STRATEGIC WORKSHOPP (on invitation only) G0 Compact with Africa This private session will bring together officials from international organizations, CEOs and ministers of finance from G0 and Compact with Africa countries *. CwA is a publicprivate dialogue among participating countries, aiming to forge a way forward in encouraging greater investment in Africa. CwA was initiated by the German presidency and endorsed by the G0 finance ministers and central bank governors in March 07. The aim is to develop comprehensive, coordinated, and country-specific investment compacts between individual African countries, international organizations, and other partners. Investment Compacts will specify measures and instruments to improve the macro, business and financing frameworks. * Benin, Côte d Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia 9.0 0.0 COCKTAIL 0.0 -.0 GALA DINNER AND AFRICA CEO FORUM AWARDS CEREMONY 09.0 0.45 TAR DEBATE Tuesday 7 March 08 09.0 0.45 The new Nigerian economy The government in Abuja is still struggling to emerge from petroleum dependency, with oil still representing more than 90% of the country s exports. But the future nevertheless looks bright for Nigerian business. New blood has emerged in the sectors of finance, technology, agriculture, entertainment, and industry. From Yaba s startups to Kano s rice plantations, via the burgeoning automobile sector, the performance of a growing list of companies is no longer linked to the price of oil. While Africa s attempts at diversification have not always been successful in the past, how is Nigeria managing it? 8
Structural reforms in the banking sector, the growing sophistication of the entrepreneurial elite, targeted public subsidies: are these choices paying off? Why is Nigerian growth still sluggish and what are the most urgent reforms in terms of the business environment? What are the opportunities for integration between the new Nigerian economy and the other West African economies? 09.0 0.45 AIR TRANSPORT How to turn African aviation into a success story in ten years Boosted by 6% annual growth in the number of passengers, the African air transport sector is mobilizing billions of dollars of public and private investment to build new airports, develop airport facilities and establish new airlines. And yet, despite these positive trends, African airlines remain too small and their profits too low: in 06, their combined turnover was less than half that of Emirates alone. From developing a dynamic ecosystem to reducing taxation and improving governance, what are the most urgent reforms needed to turn African aviation into a success story by 00? Airline privatization, leasing contracts, civil aviation independence: how can the sector be better organized? What partnerships need to be established for a virtuous ecosystem? Taxes on air transport, open skies agreements, visas: how governments can contribute to the emergence of an African air transport sector of international standing? 09.0 0.45 INTERNET ACCESS: HITTING THE ACCELERATOR The internet is infrastructure. Accessing it is as essential as access to dams, ports, and roads. But less than 5% of the population of sub-saharan Africa is connected to mobile internet, and less than 5% has fixed broadband. Free Basics, Project Link, Airtel Zero, national digitalization plans: several initiatives have recently been launched by content providers, network operators and governments to connect the unconnected. What are the most effective strategies for speeding up progress? Energy, price, digital culture, content quality: what are the most important factors for internet adoption in Africa? How to reconcile net neutrality, content innovation, and internet access? What partnerships should be built between providers, network operators, and governments? 0.45.5 NETWORKING BREAK 9
.5.0 CEO BUSINESS CASE.5.0 FINANCE Tuesday 7 March 08.5.0.5.45 YOUNG CEO INITIATIVE Reinventing African business With Africa rethinking its economic model and African companies facing new challenges from social responsibility to digitalization the continent needs a fresh burst of energy. Young African CEOs have a key role to play in reinventing ways of doing business and transforming the structure of economies. But they are also confronted with big obstacles and sometimes face a strong cultural resistance to change. The Africa CEO Forum s Young CEOs initiative shines the spotlight on five outstanding young business leaders. Paths to the top: challenges and keys to success How to reinvent African economies in the digital age Radically transforming your business To achieve excellence or overcome a crisis sometimes calls for a deep rethinking of a company s strategy, organization, rules of governance, financial management and IT solutions. But too many businesses are still getting lost in long and costly transformation plans that often only partially achieve their objectives. Strategic consultants McKinsey & Company invite two major business leaders to explain how they restructured and improved the financial management and performance of their companies, both rapidly and successfully. Private equity: in search of tomorrow s leaders In 06, only 45 private-equity investments occurred on the African continent, which was slightly more than in Singapore and a quarter of the number in India. This weakness is explained both by the limited number of structured businesses, but also by the rarity of funds aimed at medium-sized enterprises, and entrepreneurs doubts about what investors can really bring to the table. Faced with this, what can the sector s professionals do, and how can they grow the impact of their investments? What is the role of development finance institutions in the emergence of new targets and new funds? Governance, social and environmental responsibility, technical assistance, strategic accompaniment: what are the most effective levers for investors to accelerate companies growth? What can development finance institutions do to enlarge the scope of investments? How to prepare businesses to pitch for private-equity investment?.0 4.00 NETWORKING LUNCH & YOUNG CEO S COCKTAIL 0
4.00 5.5 GOVERNANCE Tuesday 7 March 08 4.00 5.5 Better corporate governance for a stronger African capitalism OECD countries hold $6.9bn of pension funds that cannot be invested in African businesses without serious governance reforms. To attract a larger share of the world s savings, The Asian experience can provide a source of inspiration for Africa: over the past two decades companies have significantly improved their governance, and investors have responded, creating the conditions for the local private sector to join global commerce. In 06, Singapore alone attracted almost as much foreign direct investment as all 54 African countries put together. For SMEs to gain easier access to credit, and for large businesses to attract global investors, African capitalism has to make the leap. How? What are the minimum criteria for better corporate governance? What toolkit is available for CEOs to point their businesses in the right direction? Which African countries have set a good example in corporate governance? 4.00 5.5 EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITIES, PITFALLS, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PATH Strong budgetary constraints and competing social priorities mean that African governments are increasingly turning to private investment in an expanding education sector: between 0 and 05 the number of deals in the sector has doubled. But projects are frequently slowed down by having to balance a fragile equation: to provide quality education at an affordable price in an increasingly competitive world. Public-private partnerships, the internationalization of higher education, opportunities from online education, innovations in study financing: which are the most suitable models to help African higher education confront the challenges of the st century? How do the different education models and means of financing studies respond to the market needs? Business models, quality, and profitability: investors share their experiences How can partnerships between government, business, and teaching institutions provide quality professional training?
4.00 5.5 SOLAR ENERGY: FINDING THE RECIPE FOR LARGE-SCALE DEPLOYMENT With a four-fold increase in installed capacity in only two years, solar is rapidly becoming a vital source in Africa s energy mix. Private investments in the sector have increased ten-fold between 009 and 04, with more than 50 projects in development. But they remain smallscale, mainly composed of between 0 and 00 MW, limiting their profitability and their effects on the rest of the economy. What partnerships should be built between developers, investors and governments for a large-scale deployment of solar energy in Africa? Risks, regulations, subsidies and tariffs: what are the greatest impediments to a large-scale deployment of solar energy in Africa? What are the recommendations for public-private partnerships in solar energy? Sovereign guarantees, local content, stimulating demand: what role can governments play? 4 4.00 6.00 YOUNG CEO WORKSHOP In partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, the Young CEOs Initiative Workshop brings together 80 young CEOs for a brainstorming and networking session on the theme Reimagining African future. 5 4.00 5.5 STRATEGIC WORKSHOP (on invitation only) Cybersecurity: an essential part of the innovation process Cyber attacks on large companies, be they from internal or external forces, are increasingly sophisticated, aggressive and frequent. As digitalization expands across Africa, the continent will become more exposed to these threats and the associated risks. Organizations that have not set up effective protection and security for their information systems, data and assets could suffer serious reputational and legal consequences. CEOs taking part in this workshop will explore best practices in implementing a cybersecurity operating model that combines prevention and quantification. 5.5 5.45 NETWORKING BREAK 5.45 7.5 PRESIDENTIAL PANEL 7.5 7.0 CLOSING REMARKS 7.0 CLOSING COCKTAIL