The African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), the UN Senior Africans Group, and the African Union Commission, in collaboration with the UN Global Compact and UN Women will host the Africa: Open for Business Summit at the margins of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly to showcase the leadership of the African continent in addressing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.

The Summit is the continuation of last year’s historic dialogue between the African Union, Captains of Industry and numerous dignitaries at the United Nations. It will contribute to change the narrative on Africa, highlight the contributions of women and celebrate leadership for and from the African continent in pursuit of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063. The Summit will also present an opportunity to showcase participating African countries as a hub for business, investment and development.

The private sector has been instrumental in the development of Africa’s economy, particularly in regard to the Sustainable Development Goals. Private equity players invested $3.8 billion in 145 deals across Africa in 2016, supporting initiatives ranging from agriculture and energy to healthcare and financial sectors. Many investment monoliths point out that investing in “social good” creates an even bigger return. Raising awareness of responsible business practices in Africa is an important aspect of the work of the UN Global Compact. Investing in Africa, as many have already realized, creates social good and financial return — the goal of impact investing.

The Africa: Open for Business Summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, leading CEOs and investors, senior UN leadership and select civil society representatives together at the United Nations to recognize the important role of African business, innovation, and entrepreneurship for social good.

Among the Heads of States that have been invited are H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda & Current Chair of the African Union, H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and H.E. Ms. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway and Co-Chair of the SDG Advocates to name a few.