As Unstoppable Africa 2025 returns to New York, UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo explains how GABI is driving partnerships, sustainability, and youth-led innovation to redefine Africa’s global economic role.
New African: The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has quickly established itself as a powerful platform. Can you explain its origins and why it was important to create such a dedicated initiative for Africa at this moment?
Sanda Ojiambo: GABI was established in 2022 to reshape the narrative on Africa, and also reshape how global business engages with Africa and how Africa engages with global business. For too long, the focus has been on doing business in Africa, rather than doing business with Africa – based on building genuine partnerships with the African continent and its business ecosystem. We aimed to shift that dynamic by catalyzing conversations and building partnerships focused on collaboration, investment, and long-term growth led by African businesses and communities. With global disruptions in trade, energy, and supply chains, Africa is uniquely positioned to contribute to and shape the future of the global economy. GABI serves as a bridge, connecting decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to help realize that potential.
NA: Unstoppable Africa is the flagship event of GABI and returns this September alongside the UN General Assembly. What can we expect from this year’s edition, and how will it build on the momentum of last year?
SO: Unstoppable Africa 2025 will be held on September 21–22 at the Marriott Marquis in New York, ahead of the UN General Assembly. This year’s theme, The BIG Push: Africa Shapes the Markets, reflects a clear ambition to position Africa as a driver of markets. The event will feature two days of focused discussions and practical strategies across key sectors, including energy, digital transformation, trade, creative industries, and sport. Since GABI’s inception, we’ve brought together over 8,000 leaders, from heads of state to CEOs and prominent sportspeople and creatives. This year, we’re building on that foundation with a stronger emphasis on action and measurable outcomes that support long-term progress.
NA: Africa is often described as the world’s last growth frontier. From your perspective, what role should African businesses and leaders play in shaping global economic and sustainability agendas?
SO: Africa must have a place at the decision-making table when it comes to shaping the future of the global economy. The continent is one filled with opportunity: a young and dynamic population, abundant natural resources, and a growing pool of entrepreneurial talent. These are the foundations for leadership in critical sectors, such as clean energy, agriculture, technology, and the creative industries. Now we must accelerate the pace and scale of action. African businesses, governments, policymakers, and other interested stakeholders must engage directly in global dialogue around trade, sustainability, growth, and development. By doing so, they can help define the rules and standards, as well as find solutions for the market that work for Africa and for the world.
NA: The UN Global Compact focuses strongly on sustainable development. How is GABI helping African companies align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also advancing competitiveness and growth?
SO: GABI helps African companies align with the SDGs by showing that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand. By encouraging alignment with frameworks like the SDGs and Agenda 2063, GABI supports companies by promoting dialogues and partnerships that highlight what has already worked, as well as supporting efforts to attract investment, build stronger supply chains, and expand into new markets. In sectors like energy and agriculture, sustainable practices are not only environmentally responsible; they also create new opportunities for growth, employment, and increased exports.
NA: Partnerships are central to success in today’s interconnected world. How is GABI fostering collaboration between African businesses, governments, and global corporations?
SO: GABI fosters collaboration by creating a platform where African businesses, governments, decision-makers, business leaders and global corporations can engage directly and build long-term relationships with the rest of the world. We curate opportunities to showcase what works, connect businesses and investors, and provide practical partnership opportunities that support investment, innovation, and shared growth. Through high-level convenings, targeted initiatives, and sector-specific programs, GABI helps align the interests of the public and private sectors. This approach ensures that African priorities are reflected in global strategies and that international partners better understand Africa’s markets, talent, and opportunities.
NA: Many young Africans are driving innovation across technology, energy, and creative industries. How is GABI amplifying the voices and opportunities of Africa’s youth and entrepreneurs?
SO: Africa’s youth are its greatest asset. With a population of over 1.5 billion in 2025 and a median age of just 19.3 years, the continent is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce. By supporting entrepreneurship and scaling ideas, GABI helps ensure that Africa’s youth are not just shaping the future; they’re actively participating in building it.
NA: Some critics say global discussions on Africa remain too focused on potential rather than concrete action. How is GABI ensuring that commitments made during events like Unstoppable Africa translate into measurable outcomes?
SO: GABI is focused on turning dialogue into tangible outcomes. At events like Unstoppable Africa, we showcase what is possible and what has been done, we highlight opportunities and create a platform for partnerships.
NA: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for GABI, and how do you see its role in shaping Africa’s position on the world stage over the next decade?
SO: Over the next decade, I see GABI becoming a central force in redefining Africa’s role in the global economy. Our long-term vision is to build a platform that consistently delivers results, mobilizing investment, strengthening regional value chains, and elevating African leadership across key sectors and global partnerships with Africa. We want to ensure that African businesses are not just participating in global markets but helping to shape them. By aligning with global frameworks, such as the SDGs and Agenda 2063, and by building meaningful partnerships, GABI will continue to drive inclusive growth and position Africa as a source of resilience and opportunity.
