THROUGH THE LENS: How Africa CEO Forum Day 1 unfolded

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. READ ALSO: Kagame: Africa must act together, not merely analyse global crises 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.

In Pictures

THROUGH THE LENS: How Africa CEO Forum Day 1 unfolded