Africa Unlocked 2026 highlights the power of African partnerships to drive economic growth
The Africa Unlocked 2026 conference brought together business and government leaders in Cape Town to discuss strategies for economic growth. The event focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to foster sustainable development and cross-border investment.
Why it matters
Strengthening intra-continental trade and investment is critical for Africa's long-term economic stability and industrialization.
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Africa’s future growth will be driven by stronger partnerships, increased investment and businesses that are built to compete across the continent. This was the message at the third edition of Standard Bank’s Africa Unlocked Conference, where more than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key international markets gathered at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town.</em></p>
<p>Hosted under the theme “Built in Africa: Amplifying continental growth,” Africa Unlocked 2026 brought together influential voices from business, government, development finance institutions and academia to explore practical solutions for accelerating trade, unlocking investment and strengthening Africa’s productive economy.</p>
<p>As Africa continues to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and respond to changing global economic conditions, delegates focused on how businesses can work together to create sustainable growth while unlocking new opportunities across borders.</p>
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