By Boris Esono Nwenfor
Africa’s voice in shaping global economic and development policy is set to be amplified at the upcoming Africa @ World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings – Accelerating Africa’s Transformation, scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The high-level convening, organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a Think Tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Afrobarometer, will bring together a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders, including African ministers of finance, trade, and planning, senior officials from the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, business executives, development partners, scholars, and civil society leaders.
Designed as a strategic dialogue platform, the high-level forum will provide participants with a unique opportunity to explore Africa’s transformative opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing global economy. According to organisers, the event aims to elevate Africa’s strategic economic priorities at the global level; foster dialogue between African leaders and global financial institutions and explore opportunities for infrastructure development, energy access, and regional trade.
The gathering is also expected to provide a unique platform for African policymakers and thought leaders to shape solutions for sustainable growth and prosperity, while positioning the continent more strategically in global economic governance.
Key themes on the agenda include Private Sector and Jobs: Innovative approaches to expand employment and entrepreneurship; Rethinking Development Finance: Exploring new pathways for resilience and inclusive prosperity; Africa’s Agency in a Multipolar World: Strengthening the continent’s role in global partnerships; Human Capital Development: Harnessing education, health, and skills as drivers of sustainable growth and Debt, Credit Ratings, and Growth: Managing Africa’s debt prudently while enhancing creditworthiness.
As part of the program, a special recognition lunch will honour recipients of the Trailblazer for Africa Award. The award celebrates exceptional individuals, African or otherwise, whose leadership and commitment have made a transformative impact on the continent’s development. Details of this year’s awardees are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The Washington event comes at a critical moment when many African economies are navigating a complex landscape of post-pandemic recovery, climate risks, and shifting global trade patterns.
The event is positioned as a critical space for coordinating actionable solutions, strengthening economic resilience, and driving investment in Africa’s future. Africa at World Bank Annual Meetings is seen as a timely and strategic initiative to spotlight the continent’s potential while forging new alliances for its sustainable growth.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyse Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. Foretia Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organisations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, thereby improving individual livelihoods.
If you or your organisation would like to partner on this unique gathering, kindly register your interest here.
