Club de Madrid with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), is hosting a high-level side event during the AfDB Annual Meetings 2025 in Abidjan. Titled “Driving Africa’s Economic Future: Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth and Governance”, this timely dialogue will bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to explore how digital technologies can drive inclusive economic development and improve governance across Africa.
The session will delve into the expansion of digital infrastructure, the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening institutional efficiency, and the importance of building a digitally skilled workforce. It aligns with the AfDB’s “High 5” priorities and initiatives such as the Coding for Employment Program, while drawing on the Club de Madrid’s experience in promoting democratic governance and policy leadership.
Participants will discuss:
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Strategic investment and regulatory frameworks for digital transformation
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Public-private partnerships for inclusive innovation
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Strengthening digital trust and cybersecurity
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Showcasing successful African-led digital initiatives
📢 Speakers include:
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Mehdi Jomaa, Member of Club de Madrid and Prime Minister of Tunisia (2014–2015)
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Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, Former Minister of Education of Nigeria, former Vice President of the World Bank, Advisor of Club de Madrid
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Julia Duncan, Global Director for Development Finance, Bayer
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Pren-Tsilya Boa-Guehe, Head of Pan-African Institutions, Google Government Affairs & Public Policy
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Mame Omar Diop, Head of the UNESCO Office in Abidjan and Representative to Côte d’Ivoire
- Kevin C. Urama (Opening Remarks), Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance & Knowledge Management, AfDB
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Moderator: Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor on Communications, AfDB
🚨 This is an in-person event, but the Livestreaming now available!
You can now follow the session live or watch the replay via the following links:
🌐 Main streaming page: https://am.afdb.org/en/2025-annual-meetings/livestreaming
▶️ Direct links to this side event:
🔹 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/5144798
🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/hMSGz7Gwmzo
Stay tuned for updates and join us in shaping Africa’s digital future.