Rwanda Development chief executive Jean-Guy Afrika has called on the private sector to seize the moment as the country hosts the Africa CEO Forum, a premier gathering of leading heads of Afrika noted that the forum is a rare opportunity for the private sector to forge business and investment partnerships. “It offers a rare opportunity to meet potential investors, identify strategic partners, and position concrete projects or expansion plans before decision-makers who are otherwise difficult to access in a single setting,” he said. The Africa CEO Forum will take place in Kigali from May 14 to 15, bringing together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. It is expected to attract more than 2,800 participants, including more than 1,000 CEOs and representatives from over 1,200 companies operating across the continent. ALSO READ: Kigali set to host Africa CEO Forum in May This year’s edition is also expected to attract at least five Heads of State, including President Paul Kagame and President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside senior government officials, institutional investors, and more than 300 journalists. ALSO READ: Inside IFC playbook for Rwanda’s next growth phase Afrika explained that the forum also gives businesses the chance to benchmark themselves against leading companies and track where capital and partnerships are moving. “Your participation should not be passive. This is a platform to come prepared with clear objectives, targeted meetings, and a strong sense of the partnerships, capital, or market access you want to pursue,” he told private sector members in Kigali on Wednesday. He added that companies that engage intentionally are more likely to secure meaningful outcomes, including partnerships and investment deals. François Twagirumukiza, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), said the forum will serve as a gateway for businesses to access new partners, suppliers, clients and technologies. “Prepare your business. Define what you are looking for, identify who you want to meet, and start booking those meetings now. The value you derive will depend on the level of preparation you bring,” he urged fellow businessmen. ALSO READ: RDB boss touts benefits of Africa CEO Forum Twagirumukiza also encouraged businesses to take up their role as hosts seriously, noting that every interaction during the forum will reflect on Rwanda’s image. Julie Mutoni, Deputy Group CEO of Multilines International, a logistics company, said her participation in previous editions opened unexpected opportunities. The connections she forged have enabled her to expand her company’s shipments, especially for handicrafts, which Rwanda is commonly known for. “Through those connections, I’ve been able to build long-term relationships that have helped me expand my logistics network across multiple countries,” she noted. The forum was created by Jeune Afrique Media Group and is co-organised with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Rwanda previously hosted the forum in 2019 and 2024. The most recent edition was held in 2025 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
