UNITED NATIONS, September 26 （WSH) — The Africa Open for Business Summit 2025, convened by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) at United Nations Headquarters, sent a clear signal to the world: Africa is open for business and global partners should step forward.
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations and co-organized with the World Madam Foundation, the Summit brought together diplomats, UN officials, business leaders, academics, and diaspora representatives under the theme “Global Partnerships for Trade and Investment with Africa.”
Taking place during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly, it was one of the largest Africa-focused events at UN Headquarters this week, highlighting the urgency and momentum for Africa’s economic transformation.
“This Summit is not only about dialogue but about action. The message is clear: Africa is open for business, and Africa’s future is tied to global partnerships built on equity, respect, and sustainability,” said Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO of ARDN.
Key outcomes
• Trade and investment roadmap. African and diaspora leaders outlined strategies to expand access to capital, strengthen regional and global trade, and open opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, and digital innovation. Youth and diaspora entrepreneurship were identified as central engines of growth.
• Commitments from global partners. Partners including UN-Habitat, the National Business League, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the World Madam Foundation, the National Alliance for Black Business, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, and SRB Communications committed to deepen cooperation. Priorities include building investment platforms, supporting women-led enterprises, and expanding higher education and diaspora initiatives.
• Recognition of 2025 award winners. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, African Renaissance Leadership Award. Dr. Natalia Kanem, former Executive Director of UNFPA, Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Charles H. DeBow III, President and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Presidential Award.
• The Red Card Pledge. In a defining moment, participants proclaimed the Red Card Campaign, raising cards to reject all forms of violence and discrimination, including in workplaces where women and girls too often face exclusion and abuse. The pledge affirmed that fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces are essential to sustainable growth.
• Culture and diaspora voice. Music and spoken word celebrated the ties between Africa and its global diaspora, underscoring that mobilization is cultural as well as economic.
Honoring leaders in spirit
Dr. Diallo also recognized leaders whose guidance has long supported ARDN’s mission, though not present in person: Amina Mohammed, Dr. Diéné Keita, Inger Andersen, and Oumar Sylla. Their leadership continues to inspire the movement for Africa’s renaissance.
Closing commitment
The Summit ended with delegates raising red cards together and declaring: “Zero tolerance for violence. Zero tolerance for discrimination. Together, we commit.”
“Africa is open for business, and we are building the partnerships to prove it,” Dr. Diallo said. “This Summit shows that when the world joins forces with Africa, we invest not only in markets, we invest in people, opportunity, and a future of dignity and peace. Trade and investment do not thrive where workplaces tolerate violence or discrimination. Our commitment is to ensure that business and human dignity advance together.”
Appreciation
ARDN expresses its deep appreciation to its staff for their dedication and hard work in bringing this Summit to life.
About ARDN
The African Renaissance and Diaspora Network partners with the United Nations and global institutions to accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa and across the diaspora. With a presence in over 80 countries, ARDN’s initiatives, partnerships and campaigns engage communities across Africa and its global diaspora, ultimately reaching a population base of more than 250 million people of African descent worldwide.
