President Kagame attended a presidential panel featuring Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during the 2026 Africa CEO Forum on Thursday, May 14. Photo by Village Urugwiro
President Paul Kagame on Thursday, May 14, officially opened the 2026 Africa CEO Forum at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The forum brought together about 2,800 participants from more than 70 countries, including Heads of State, business leaders, and investors. Among the leaders in attendance were Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea, and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon.
Focused on promoting private sector growth, investment, innovation, and economic integration, the Africa CEO Forum has become one of the continent’s leading platforms shaping Africa’s economic future and regional cooperation.
In his remarks, President Kagame urged African leaders to move beyond analysing global crises and instead take coordinated action.
Held under the theme, "Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,” the 2026 edition is exploring how African economies and businesses can transition from fragmented growth to large-scale competitiveness.
The New Times photographer Dan Gatsinzi covered Day 1 of the forum, capturing some of the event’s key highlights.
The forum is held under the theme, "Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”
Participants arrive at KCC for the 2026 Africa CEO Forum held under the theme, "Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”
Arrival of participants at the venue on Thursday, May 14.
President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrives at KCC.
President of Gabon Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema arrives at KCC for the Africa CEO Forum
The Rwandan traditional ballet troupe Urukerereza performs at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Professor Nshuti Manasseh interacts with a participant at the KCC
A participant chats with one of the exhibitors at the forum.
The forum brought together about 2,800 participants from more than 70 countries.
Two delegates take a selfie at the event.
An exhibitor speaks to participants at the event.
The forum brought together about 2,800 participants from more than 70 countries.
The two-day high level event is taking place at Kigali Convention Centre.
Delegates during opening session of Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on May 14.
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director at the International Finance Corporation delivers his remarks during the opening session.
The forum brought together about 2,800 participants from more than 70 countries, including Heads of State, business leaders, and investors.
President Paul Kagame speaks during a discussion at the opening of the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Thursday, May 14. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi
President Paul Kagame speaks during a fireside chat held at the opening of the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Thursday, May 14. Kagame urged African leaders to move beyond analysing global crises and instead take coordinated action. Photo by Village Urugwiro
President Paul Kagame on Thursday, May 14, officially opened the 2026 Africa CEO Forum at Kigali Convention Centre.
The 2026 edition is exploring how African economies and businesses can transition from fragmented growth to large-scale competitiveness.
The 2026 edition held under the theme, "Scale or Fail: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership."
Participants follow a presidential panel discussion featuring Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Delegates listen as Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu speaks during a Presidential Panel discussion.
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu speaks at the presidential panel discussion.
President Kagame attended a presidential panel featuring Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during the 2026 Africa CEO Forum on Thursday, May 14. Photo by Village Urugwiro
President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during the presidential panel discussion.
Participants follow a Presidential Panel.
President Paul Kagame joins Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema for a group photo during the presidential panel discussion.