(CHOISEUL AFRICA) - For the very first time, the Choiseul Africa Summit was held in East Africa. Led by Choiseul Africa, chaired by Pascal Lorot, in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) headed by Carole Kariuki, and supported by the AXIAN Group, the African Guarantee Fund, Bpifrance, Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers, Agence Ecofin and the Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC), this summit represents a decisive milestone in the history of Choiseul Africa and in the region’s economic strategy.

The event gathered several hundred economic, institutional, and political leaders from Africa and Europe, united by a common ambition: to accelerate Africa’s transformation through investment, innovation, and cooperation. The TRIFIC Special Economic Zone particularly showcased its strategic role in enhancing Kenya’s investment appeal.

H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H., the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya:“This summit is a clear manifestation of this shift. It has become a platform where African voices lead, our priorities define the agenda, and our solutions drive action.”

Brenda Mbathi, Chief Executive Officer of TRIFIC SEZ:“Kenya rewards you when you invest. It supports you, it allows you to operate, it allows you to profit fairly, and it guarantees that you can repatriate your earnings.”

A strategic platform to accelerate Africa’s transformation and cooperation

The discussions highlighted the key drivers of growth and regional integration: digitalisation, energy, sustainable infrastructure, food security, mobility, and financial innovation. Dedicated matchmaking sessions also connected SMEs with investors, further strengthening bridges between public and private stakeholders.

Speakers emphasised the need for constructive collaboration between the private sector and governments, as well as the importance of a favourable and predictable business environment.

Karim Anjarwalla, Senior Partner, ALN Kenya: “As private sector, our role is to engage government constructively. Not as criticism, but as part of building a robust ecosystem.”

East Africa, a driver of transformation, innovation and inclusion

Africa’s economic transformation and the diversification of its trade were at the heart of the discussions, highlighting the urgent need to move beyond a model reliant on raw material exports.

Alfred K’Ombudo, President’s Advisor on Trade Policy and Commercial Diplomacy:“We must stop being only providers of raw materials. African services, intermediate products, and finished products must also be part of global value chains.”

In closing, discussions converged on a shared conviction: Africa has the talent, resources, and energy to strengthen its global role — provided it invests in youth, predictability, and innovation.

H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H., the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya:“Kenya’s digital ecosystem, from mobile money to e-government, demonstrates the power of African innovation. Beyond access, we must also pursue technological sovereignty by building a digital public infrastructure that is secure, scalable, and rooted in African realities.”

About Choiseul Africa

Choiseul Africa brings together all initiatives led by the Institut Choiseul dedicated to the African continent. These activities began in 2014 with the creation of the Choiseul 100 Africa.

Today, Choiseul Africa represents:

· A network community: nearly 450 economic decision-makers and opinion leaders committed to the continent’s transformation.
· A strategic vision: building bridges between business, public, and institutional spheres, including the annual Choiseul Africa Business Forum, which convenes more than 800 of the most influential African leaders.
· A mission of recognition: identifying and promoting talent, anticipating major economic trends, and fostering long-lasting partnerships.