African leaders and business executives are calling for greater participation in decisions shaping the world economy, with trade, investment, energy and critical minerals dominating discussions at Unstoppable Africa 2026 in New York.

The fifth edition of the Global Africa Business Initiative’s flagship gathering brought government officials, investors and international partners together at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

UN Secretary General António Guterres used the forum to press for stronger African representation in international institutions, including a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“Africa needs a permanent presence on the United Nations Security Council, where it can contribute to dialogue and action for the whole globe,” Guterres said.

He also argued that Africa’s expanding economic importance should be matched by greater influence in global affairs. The secretary general called for reforms addressing the concerns of developing countries and urged African nations to capture more value from natural resources, particularly critical minerals, through local processing and job creation.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the continent’s population of 1.5 billion represented a major economic opportunity, but said governments needed to accelerate development of African value chains and reduce barriers to trade.

He identified affordable energy, infrastructure, financing, skills, technology and common standards as essential to faster industrial growth.

Business leaders echoed calls for greater local processing of raw materials rather than continued reliance on exports of commodities such as crude oil and critical minerals.

Among those taking part were Africa Finance Corporation President and CEO Samaila Zubairu, Dangote Group founder Aliko Dangote, Standard Chartered executive Mandy DeFilippo, Standard Bank Group Chairperson Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Anglo American South Africa Chairperson Nolitha Fakude and Allied Critical Minerals Fund General Partner Tidjane Thiam.

Energy investment was also highlighted through the first close of Nigeria’s US$300 million Distributed Renewable Energy Fund. Managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and Africa50, the fund will finance solar mini grids, solar home systems, commercial and industrial power projects and energy storage.

The initiative supports Mission 300, which seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

Healthcare also featured, with Roche reaffirming its Africa Breast Cancer Ambition, which aims to help 80 per cent of African women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years by 2030.

Discussions continue September 21 on digital transformation, investment, creative industries, sport and Africa’s place in the global economy.

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