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Standard Bank will host its second annual Africa Unlocked business and economic forum next week, in Cape Town, bringing together key players from the public and private sectors to discuss Africa’s response to shifting global economic dynamics.
The event, themed “Business Shaping Africa’s Tomorrow,” comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, climate-induced industrial shifts, and the growing consolidation of digital power—all of which are placing pressure on Africa to redefine its role in the global economy.
Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Sim Tshabalala, said the forum aims to move beyond discussion and into action.
Read more: Standard Bank Group urges reforms, increased investment to power Africa’s economic growth
“Africa’s economic moment will not arrive by default. It will be shaped by deliberate leadership, institutional strength, and the courage to seize new opportunities,” he said.
Africa Unlocked was launched in 2024 and has quickly established itself as a premier platform for business-led dialogue on the continent’s development.
The 2025 edition will focus on key structural challenges and growth opportunities including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, capital markets, and digital sovereignty.
Confirmed speakers for the 2025 event included: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa, Leila Fourie, Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Dan Marokane, CEO of Eskom, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, Agbiz, and Senior executives from DBSA, MTN Uganda, Orange Botswana, and Generali Group.
Standard Bank will also be represented by top leadership, including Tshabalala; Lungisa Fuzile, CEO for Africa Regions; Bill Blackie, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking; Goolam Ballim, Chief Economist; and Louis van Ravesteyn, Head of Agribusiness.
In a statement, Blackie said the forum was intended to be results-driven.
“Africa Unlocked 2025 is not a stage for rhetoric. It is a platform where capital, ideas, and accountability intersect,” he said.
The forum will tackle pressing issues shaping Africa’s development trajectory.
Sessions will be held at venues including the Norval Foundation and Zeitz MOCAA, underlining the integration of Africa’s economic and cultural capital.
Tshabalala noted that Africa was no longer waiting to be included in global conversations.
“Africa is building its relevance. That is what Africa Unlocked stands for,” he said.
The forum will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, with live coverage and commentary available through Standard Bank’s platforms.
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