The Africa Rising 2025 Executive Forum, themed “Unlocking Profit, Purpose & Partnerships,” held on October 9, 2025, at Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Nairobi, concluded as a resounding success convening some of Africa’s most influential voices in business, policy, and development.
The high-level forum brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, CEOs, financiers, development partners, and policymakers to deliberate on how Africa can align profitability with purpose-driven leadership and cross-sectoral partnerships to catalyze sustainable growth across the continent.
In her compelling opening remarks, Ms. Milkaela M. Mwangura, Founder of the Africa Rising Initiative, VicePresident of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI), and Founder & Executive Directorof Eminence Global PR Firm, reflected on the journey that birthed this continental movement:
“When we began the journey to shape Africa Rising, we envisioned a platform that would merge profit,
purpose, and partnership into one unstoppable force for transformation where business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators could co-create Africa’s next chapter of growth.
Africa is no longer the continent of potential, it is the continent of proof. Proof that innovation, resilience, and
unity can drive prosperity that lasts.”
Mr. Richlove Mensah, British High Commission’s Trade Director for Kenya & Regional Director for East Africa,opened the forum by affirming the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to deepening trade and investment partnerships with Africa:
“Profit, Purpose, and Partnerships these are not just themes; they’re imperatives for shared growth. The UK
remains committed to advancing green competitiveness, regional trade, and mutual prosperity between our
economies.”
Keynote Highlights: Voices Defining Africa’s Future
H.E. Brigadier General Dr. Wallace W. Williams, Chairman, Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI), set the tone with an impassioned keynote on Pan-African cooperation and global linkages:
“Africa Rising is not a slogan—it is a declaration of intent. A call to ensure that Africa’s riches fuel not only boardrooms abroad but households across our continent. Let us rise, trade, and innovate together. Africa leading, Africa owning its destiny.”
Mr. Pravin Maharaj, South African Economist and Author of AFCFTA: A Definitive Guide “Uniting Africa’s Markets: The Next Chapter of AfCFTA and Trade Competitiveness”, challenged the audience to reimagine Africa’s future in the era of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence,
gifting attendees signed copies of his acclaimed book:
“We are not entering the AI Age—we are stepping into the Golden Age of Human Intelligence, where African
creativity and collaboration can redefine global prosperity.”
High-Level Voices Defining Africa’s Next Decade
The forum featured powerful contributions from:
- H.E. Brigadier General Dr. Wallace W. Williams, Chairman, AICCI — on Pan-African cooperation and trade sovereignty.
- Richlove Mensah, Trade Director, British High Commission & Regional Director for East Africa — reaffirming the UK’s commitment to green competitiveness and regional prosperity.
- Brenda Mbathi, CEO, Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFFIC) — on SEZs as Africa’s innovation blueprints.
- Rev. Dr. Rita Loyola, Corporate Chaplain — on soul-centered governance and ethical leadership.
- Joseph Murabula, CEO, Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) — highlighting green innovation as Africa’s true competitive edge.
PANEL 1: FINANCING GROWTH: FROM DE-RISKING TO DEAL-MAKING
Moderator: Anthony Ochieng | Founder & CEO, Pollant Group
Panellists:
- Joseph Murabula | CEO, KCIC (Green finance and climate innovation as competitive edge)
- Mary Mulili | MD/CEO, UBA Kenya (Scaling inclusive finance & SME growth)
- Catherine Odhiambo | Ag. CEO, Kimisitu DT Sacco (Saccos bridging Africa’s $331B MSME financing gap)
- Safaricom Busines Rep “Digital Rails, Real Economies: Embedding Tech for Africa’s Inclusive Growth
- International Financier Representative
- NCBA Representative
- ABSA Bank Representative
Key Discussion Points:
- Bridging Africa’s $331B MSME financing gap
- Blended finance & de-risking investments
- Role of digital transformation in inclusive growth
- Green finance & climate innovation
PANEL 2: Purpose, Innovation & Sectoral Transformation: Building Africa’s Competitive Edge
Moderator: Sharon Kechula
Panelists:
- Brenda Mbathi / TRIFFIC SEZ CEO | (SEZs as engines for trade & industrial investment)
- Dr. Shikoh Gitau (or Representative) | CEO, Qhala (Tech-led transformation: scaling sustainable enterprises)
- Rev. Rita Loyola | (Corporate chaplaincy & soul care leadership: embedding values in Africa’s corporate culture)
- Safaricom Business Rep “Digital Rails, Real Economies: Embedding Tech for Africa’s Inclusive Growth
- NCBA Representative
- Kanyoro Patrick | Chair, Kenya Chamber of Mines (Mining as part of Africa’s resource competitiveness)
- Reuben King’ori | CEO, Promote Kenya (Positioning African businesses & brands for global markets)
- Derby Hassan | Co-Founder, Doyenne Woman (Women-led innovation & inclusive entrepreneurship in Africa)
Key Discussion Points:
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs) – how SEZs like TRIFIC can drive industrial competitiveness, FDI, and jobs.
- Tech-driven transformation – beyond fintech, how tech can unlock scale in agriculture, health, logistics, and green industries.
- Mining & resources – balancing Africa’s extractive industries with ESG and global competitiveness.
- Values-driven leadership – the role of corporate chaplaincy, ethics, and social responsibility in business sustainability.
- Women & youth innovation – ensuring inclusivity in Africa’s growth story; how to spotlight and scale women-led enterprises.
- Brand Africa – positioning African businesses and products to win trust and markets regionally & globally.
Partnerships Driving Africa’s Growth
The success of Africa Rising 2025 was made possible through the support of key strategic partners — Safaricom, NCBA Bank, ABSA Bank, Kimisitu DT Sacco, ICEA Lion, and KICC — alongside participation from over 11 embassies, including the British High Commission, EU Delegation, Ukraine, Barbados, Philippines, and Iran.
Africa Rising Kenya Edition —Key Achievements
The Africa Rising Kenya Edition successfully delivered high-impact dialogue, partnerships, and sector alignment, positioning Kenya as a strategic hub for Africa’s next chapter of growth under the AfCFTA. The event achieved the following:
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High-Level Participation and Representation
– 150+ confirmed delegates representing business, government, embassies, DFIs, academia, industry associations, and private sector networks.– 5 diplomatic missions participated, demonstrating strong international confidence in Africa Rising as a strategic engagement platform.
– C-Suit from finance, manufacturing, trade, climate innovation, and investment ecosystems contributed to discussions and shared strategic insights.
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Strategic Knowledge-Sharing & Thought Leadership – Keynotes and panel sessions unpacked:
– Africa’s transition toward profit with purpose in enterprise strategy.
– The role of AI, augmented intelligence, and digital integration in economic transformation.
– Pathways for local manufacturing localization and value-chain resilience.
– Opportunities in green innovation, circular economy, and climate finance.
The messaging helped shape a shared language and shared direction for cross-sector collaboration.
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Strengthening Partnerships & Investment Linkages: The networking discussions resulted in:
- Interest in investment facilitation partnerships between private sector leaders and DFIs.
- Follow-up agreements initiated on regional expansion, supply chain partnerships, and co-innovation ventures .
- MOUs and agreements with embassies and other chambers of commerce
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Launch of the Africa Rising Business Council: Successfully introduced the Africa Rising Business Council — a long-term engagement platform enabling:
– Continued private–public–diplomatic collaboration beyond the event,– Access to roundtables, research, deal rooms, and capacity-building programs,
– Membership pathways for individuals, SMEs, corporates, multinationals, and governments.
Important! Early membership interest was recorded from business leaders, development partners, and institutional actors.
5. Foundation set for 2026 Flagship Events – The Kenya Edition established momentum toward:
– Africa Rising Mauritius 2026, April 15–16
– Africa Rising Nairobi 2026, July
– Africa Rising South Africa 2026, November
Stakeholders expressed interest in co-hosting, sponsoring, exhibiting, and participating in the upcoming editions.
6. Strong Communication, Visibillty & Narrative Alignment – Africa Rising reaffirmed itself as a credible, Pan-African thought leadership and deal facilitation platform. Media and stakeholder feedback confirmed:
-Strengthened brand position,
– Clear strategic messaging alignment,
– And growing continental movement identity.
Looking Ahead: Africa Rising 2026 Series
Following the Nairobi success, Africa Rising 2026: Unlocking profit, Purpose & Partnerships will expand to three key markets to scale the movement:
- Mauritius – April 2026
- Kenya – July 2026
- South Africa – November 2026
Each edition will deepen the Africa Rising AHI Initiative, positioning Africa as the epicenter of human-centered innovation and inclusive growth.
Quote from the Founder
“Africa Rising is more than a conversation — it’s a collective reawakening. Through the Africa Rising AHI Initiative, we will not just adapt to the future — we will define it.” — Milkaela M. Mwangura, Founder, Africa Rising & Vice President, AICCI
About Africa Rising
Africa Rising: Unlocking Profit, Purpose & Partnerships is a flagship Pan-African movement founded by Milkaela M. Mwangura under the auspices of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI) and Eminence Global PR Firm. It serves as a continental dialogue and deal-making platform bridging business, government, and philanthropy todrive inclusive, sustainable growth across Africa — now catalyzed by the soon-to-launched Africa Rising AHI Initiative (Augmented Human Intelligence).
Next Event: Click on this link https://events.africarisingnetwork.org/global-events/africa-rising-trade-investment-roundtable/
Event Photos
Some of the media Coverage;
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPvuuohjIjE/
https://www.tv47.digital/experts-meet-to-deliberate-on-how-africa-can-align-profitability-with-purpose-driven-leadership-121636/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQl0mdKinxp/
https://www.instagram.com/globalafricabiz/reel/DO6KfrOjidG/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPs2TxyDH9Y/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPq8rypCE9t/