By Amb. Godfrey Madanhire*
Africa is entering a period where global engagement directly shapes continental progress. Agenda 2063 has set a clear direction for industrial growth, infrastructure expansion and regional integration. AfCFTA has created a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of more than $3.4 trillion. These developments require platforms that match Africa’s ambition and the World Business Summit 2026, taking place from 21 to 23 October in Sofia, Bulgaria, offers exactly that. Registration is now open at www.worldbusinesssummit.org and African institutions that understand the value of timing will move early to secure limited spots.
Sofia is a venue with a proven record in hosting high‑level global events. When Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, Sofia became a gateway into the world’s largest single market. In 2018, the city hosted the EU Presidency meetings that shaped European policy on digital transformation, competitiveness, and regional cooperation. The EU Western Balkans Summit was also held in Sofia, bringing together heads of state to discuss connectivity, infrastructure and economic integration. These events established Sofia as a serious centre for international dialogue and strategic decision‑making. The city has also built a strong reputation in technology and innovation. Events such as Webit Festival Europe and the Sofia Economic Forum attract global investors, technology leaders and policymakers. Sofia’s position between Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Balkans gives it access to diverse investment corridors. For Africa, this means direct engagement with European investors, development institutions and multinational companies that are actively expanding into high‑growth regions.
Africa enters this summit with strong fundamentals. The continent holds 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, including the critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies. It possesses 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, positioning Africa as a future global supplier in a world facing rising food demand. Its digital economy is projected to exceed $712 billion by 2050. Urbanisation is creating new consumer markets and Africa’s young workforce is driving innovation across fintech, logistics, agriculture and manufacturing. These indicators form a compelling investment case that deserves global visibility.
The World Business Summit provides the environment to convert this potential into measurable outcomes. Delegations will engage in sector‑specific deal rooms covering energy, agribusiness, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and finance. These sessions are designed for direct negotiation, allowing African governments and private‑sector leaders to present bankable projects and secure partnerships with clear timelines. This format supports the goals of Agenda 2063 by accelerating industrialisation, infrastructure expansion and economic diversification. The summit is particularly important for African policymakers, investment promotion agencies, development finance institutions, chambers of commerce, corporate executives and high‑growth entrepreneurs. These groups gain direct access to global investors, technology partners, and institutions seeking long‑term involvement in Africa’s growth story. African innovators and start‑ups also benefit from visibility in a global environment that values scalable solutions and emerging‑market insight.
Africa’s presence at this summit must be guided by a degree of confidence. The continent brings value that is recognised across global markets and its representatives should enter every engagement with a firm understanding of that reality. The posture is straightforward. Africa participates as an equal partner with defined priorities, negotiates with discipline and seeks outcomes that strengthen national and regional development. The continent’s voice carries weight when it is grounded in data, aligned with continental objectives and delivered with the assurance that Africa’s growth is central to the future of global business. Sofia offers a platform where this approach will be taken seriously.
Africa stands at a point where its decisions shape its trajectory for decades to come. The continent has the resources that anchor global industries, the markets that define future demand and the talent that is building new sectors. Sofia offers a room where these strengths can be translated into partnerships that matter. The institutions that step forward now will influence Africa’s position in global business for years ahead. Registration is open. The opportunity is clear. Africa’s place is at the table and the moment to take that seat has arrived.
*Ambassador Godfrey Madanhire is Chief Operations Officer-Radio54 African Panorama, Pan-Africanist and Advocate for Sovereign African Governance, Director of Communications and Partnerships-AIGC
