African Development Bank
Annual Meetings | Vision 2030 Fund Side Event | 29th May SOFITEL HOTEL, ABIDJAN
Presented by Marc Watum,
Chairman of Vision 2030 Fund.
Join our official side event at #AfDBAM2025 to propel the ventures, studies, and ecosystems that will transform Africa's real economy into action.
In this event we will cover
African SME Integration in Industrial Value Chains
Localising value in our real economy requires a clear strategy that includes SMEs in processing, infrastructure, and services.
Funding the Revolution: Instructions for Entrepreneurs
We've identified billions of dollars in smart capital that wants to back this generation. How do we close the deals?
The Role of AI, Blockchain, and Big Data
Innovation can be made affordable, accessible, and adaptable with these tools. How do we leverage them?
Panel: Catalyzing African-Led Innovation
DRC Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire
H.E. Gilbert Naiya Nabina
With over 30 years of high level diplomacy experience, His Excellency advocates for pan African cohesion and inclusive development.
We talk about diplomatic coordination to support regional investment facilitation across language barriers, policy coherence for inclusive industrial development, and AfCFTA.
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African Union - Peace Fund
H.E. Dagmawit Moges Bekele
Having already transformed Ethiopia's real economy infrastructure during her 5 year tenure as Minister of Transport and Logistics, Her Excellency presides over the financial arsenal of the African Union's conflict and crisis vehicle.
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We talk about the financialisation of crisis management, the opportunity it presents for entrepreneurs, and how Africa's funding gaps can be addressed at the highest level.
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Afrexim Bank
Jerry Osagie
Off the back of a milestone Special Economic Zone investment in the DRC, Afrexim Bank is set to deliver SME financing solution value chains.
We delve into de-risking facilities, linkages, blended finance, and cross-stream integration across the world's youngest and most diverse region.
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Development Reimagined
Hannah Ryder
A highly impactful development consultant, Hannah has proven to be the quintessential voice on Africa-China trade, decolonised development, and pan-African economics.
We talk about feasibility-first project finance, regional value chains, and global competitiveness for African SMEs.
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Fonds de Promotion de l'Industrie
Bertin Mudimu Tshisekedi
As the CEO of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Fund for the Promotion of Industry, Bertin Tshisekedi presides over an $800 million annual turnover venture capital treasure chest. ​
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As the keynote speaker of our event, Mr. Tshisekedi shares about novel initiatives to fund SMEs in the African context: notably, through Vijana - a funding mechanism that allows FPI funding to be backed by guarantees issued by their sister agency, FOGEC.
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Conversations with Gofaone
Gofaone Modise
Moderator extraordinaire Goafaone Modise MCs our event on the back of a stellar year of high-level events including the 2025 Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
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As the host of Apple Top 200 Podcast, Conversations with Gofaone, Ms. Modise brings an intellectual, well spoken guidance with her to Abidjan.