By Boris Esono Nwenfor
The Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation has announced the organization of a premier economic and policy gathering titled Africa @ World Bank Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. on October 14, 2025.
The event promises to bring together an influential lineup of Africa-focused policymakers, economists, business leaders, and development partners for in-depth discussions on the continent’s most pressing economic priorities. In a rapidly evolving global economic landscape, this event ensures that Africa’s voice and priorities are amplified in the conversation on sustainable development while reinforcing the need for equity, resilience, and innovation in addressing systemic challenges.
Designed as a strategic dialogue platform, the high-level forum will offer participants a unique opportunity to explore Africa’s transformative opportunities and challenges in a fast-changing global economy. According to organizers, 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.
Key themes on the agenda include Themes to address: Unlocking Employment and Job Creation in Africa; Advancing Human Capital Development – Health and Education for Sustainable Growth; Infrastructure and Energy as Catalysts for Growth; Enhancing Africa’s Role in Global Trade and Regional Integration; Gender-Responsive Economic Policies & Women’s Financial Empowerment and Digital Transformation & Financial Inclusion.
The gathering is expected to feature a diverse and influential group of participants, including ministers of finance, planning, and trade; World Bank and IMF executives; leaders from African development banks and investment firms; top private sector figures; and representatives from multilateral institutions, philanthropic organizations, academia, and civil society.
The 2025 edition comes at a time 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.
With Africa’s role on the global economic stage becoming more prominent, Africa @ 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 event
Africa @World Bank Annual Meetings is a high-level, one-day symposium held in Washington, D.C., alongside the World Bank Annual Meetings. The event convenes African policymakers, economists, business leaders, researchers, and development partners to engage in strategic dialogue on Africa’s most pressing economic challenges and its vast potential for growth and transformation.
This forum provides a unique platform for frank and forward-looking discussions on economic reforms, regional integration, investment strategies, and inclusive development. It also facilitates stronger collaboration between African governments and international financial institutions, notably the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze 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 organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, thereby improving individual livelihoods.
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.
If interested in participating in this unique event, Interest can be registered here.
For sponsorship and partnership, information is available here.
