Choiseul Africa Business Forum 2023 : a meeting point for economic sovereignty

By the editorial team

The autumn business forum seems to have found its home in Morocco’s economic capital. For the second year running, Casablanca will host the 4th Choiseul Africa Business Forum on November 16 and 17. The overarching theme is Africa’s economic sovereignty. « The future is African. That’s why Choiseul Africa is proud to participate in this rich Afro-European dialogue by promoting meetings and exchanges between the best gems of African and European innovation, » said Pascal Lorot, Chairman of Choiseul Africa.

Benin and its industrial revolution in the spotlight

More than 800 decision-makers and senior business and institutional leaders from Africa, Europe and the Gulf are expected to attend sessions on issues that will drive the continent’s growth and independence. The Forum currently represents a network of 700 Choiseul 100 Africa laureates and alumni, covering 49 of the continent’s 54 countries.

This year’s Forum will focus on Benin, with an « Invest in Benin » panel dedicated to investment opportunities in the country and the presentation of « mega projects » in infrastructure: energy, mobility and water. The country, whose economy depends on the export of unprocessed agricultural products (cotton, cashew nuts) and the re-export of imported goods and commodities (second-hand cars, rice, etc.) to Nigeria, has embarked on a veritable « industrial revolution » championed by Beninese President Patrice Talon. Several major development projects have been launched. One example is the large industrial complex at Glo-Djigbé, 40 km from Cotonou. The 1,640-hectare zone has been heralded as one of the country’s future economic powerhouses.

Panels, book signings and award ceremonies on the agenda

One panel will be dedicated to public-private partnerships (PPPs) and another to interregional cooperation for regional development. The latter, organized in partnership with the Casablanca-Settat region, will focus on the great potential of PPPs at national and local level, particularly for the implementation of major infrastructure and network management projects.

Also on the agenda: a book signing by Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, to mark the publication of the book African Digital Champions 2023. And, as usual, a Choiseul Africa awards ceremony will reward economic and social players who have distinguished themselves through high value-added projects. Launched in 2022, the Choiseul Africa Awards aim to honor those whose economic and social commitment has left its mark on the continent.

Five awards will be presented this year: Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman Leader of the Year, Innovative Project of the Year, Digital Talent of the Year and the Grand Prix Choiseul Africa.