AfDB, IFC, others, back African CEO Leadership Forum in Lagos

The 2026 African CEO Leadership Forum has received a major boost from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (ADB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which have expressed their support for the Lagos event.

In a statement by the convener, “The 2026 edition, themed Leading Africa Forward: Bold Vision, Lasting Impact, is convened by the African Leadership Business School (ALBS) with support from leading institutions including the African Union, ECOWAS, the African Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing leadership that drives meaningful and measurable impact.”

Founded on the understanding that Africa’s most critical need is not just capital but bold, connected, and purpose-driven leadership, the Forum has evolved into a defining institution that sets the tone for business conduct and policy direction across the continent.

Desmond Esorougwe, CEO of African Leadership Business School (ALBS) stated that “The African CEO Leadership Forum stands as one of the continent’s most influential annual gatherings, bringing together chief executives, boardroom leaders, policymakers, heads of state, and global partners shaping Africa’s economic and governance future. More than a conference, it serves as a high-level platform for strategic alignment, bold thinking, and actionable leadership.”

At its core, he added, “The Forum seeks to unite Africa’s most influential leaders to foster strategic partnerships, encourage honest dialogue, and generate commitments that accelerate economic transformation. Its broader vision is to cultivate a generation of ethical, visionary CEOs capable of building resilient enterprises, driving inclusive growth, and positioning Africa as a competitive force in the global economy.

According to him, “The 2026 Forum is structured around key pillars that address economic resilience and macroeconomic stability, focusing on inflation, currency volatility, debt sustainability, and long-term capital mobilisation. The second pillar explores innovation and digital transformation, examining how sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, agritech, and healthtech can drive leapfrog development.

The third pillar focuses on trade and investment, particularly opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area, including regional integration, supply chain development, and foreign direct investment. The fourth highlights sustainable development and climate leadership, positioning African businesses at the forefront of the green economy. The fifth pillar centres on governance and leadership excellence, with emphasis on strengthening corporate ethics, transparency, and institutional accountability,” he stated further.