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27-28 Mar 2026

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
SOLDIERS FIELD, BOSTON, MA 02163
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The HBS Africa Business Conference brings together leaders, innovators, and emerging voices to examine the forces shaping the continent’s future.
Speakers


Past Speakers

This year’s speakers are influential leaders from across Africa, known for driving meaningful change. They’ll share insights that inspire growth, shape the future, and leave a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating these remarkable voices.
We will be uploading this years speakers soon.
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Mamello Selamolela
Partner, BCG

Mamello Selamolela

Robin Miller
Co-founder, Axum

Robin Miller

Sam Darwish
IHS Towers Chairman

Sam Darwish

Hope Ditlhakanyane
Investment Principal at Founders Factory Africa

Hope Ditlhakanyane

Fola Fagbule
Deputy Director and Head of Financial Advisory, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

Fola Fagbule

Patrick Achi
Former Prime Minister, Head of Government, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and CID Senior Fellow

Patrick Achi

over 50 speakers booked to talk

Welcome

Welcome

Welcome to  the HBS Africa Business Conference! This year builds on our rich heritage from the past 28 years and will explore whether transcending national and international borders is a realistic and essential strategy for driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa. Come and join us!
Learn more
Agenda

What to expect

We elevate African voices, foster global community, and shape how Africa shows up in business not just at HBS, but in the world beyond.
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Day 1

We will kick off the Africa Business Conference with an exciting array of plenary and breakout sessions to set the stage for the conference.
1
Prospective Student Events
Prospective students will be treated to various informative sessions by the Admissions Open House (indicate your preference when you purchase your ticket)
2
Keynote addresses
Listen to industry leaders and experts reflect on the state of the continent and opportunities for continued impact
3
Networking events
Take the opportunity to meet and greet other attendees and invited VIPs.
4
NVC Finalist reveal
Watch ten finalists of our New Venture Competition pitch their ideas and win up to $55K in funding

Day 2

The second day steps things up with 25+ panel sessions, added keynotes, awards presentations, and an evening soiree. Here are key highlights from the day’s programming.
1
Panel Sessions
Attend discussions with leading African experts across more than 25 industries and topics
2
Career fair
Meet prospective employers to learn about career opportunities in and outside Africa
3
Soiree
We conclude with a Soiree, where you will be entertained whilst celebrating the successful conclusion of the event
NVC

New Venture Competition

In the New Venture Competition (NVC), Select startups focused on serving the African continent will gain access to coaching from HBS students, networking opportunities with investors focused on the African continent, and a chance to win over $55,000 in prize money.
Learn more about NVC

Compete to
win $55,000

Sponsored by

Timeline

1
NOV 15 2025
Applications open for submission
Applications will be collected until November 15, 2025 11:59 pm EST. Afterwards, submissions will be reviewed and selected.
2
DEC 05 2025
Application Deadline
The application deadline is December 5th, 2025. All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm EST, after which entries will be reviewed and shortlisted for the next stage.
2
TBA
Coaching & Office Hours
Coaching and office hours will be scheduled to help teams refine their ideas, strengthen their pitches, and receive targeted guidance from experienced mentors.
2
DEC 15 2025
10 Finalists announced
On December 15th, 2025 the semi-finalists will be notified. Semi finalists will be paired with HBS resources in preparation for the big day
3
Mar 27 -28 2026
3 winners will be selected
10 semi-finalists will pitch live in front of over 1100 attendees at Harvard Business School on Friday, February 14th, 2025 and 3 winners will be selected.

Davido

special guest

Conference After Dark

| Day 2 Eve

LET’S END THE EVENT IN SYTLE

Cocktail Attire

Agenda

Panelists

NVC

Tickets

Past Sponsors

LEt us work together to make the conference a success

Thank you to our sponsors whose support makes this gathering possible. Their commitment helps us bring bold ideas, ambitious leaders, and meaningful conversations to the forefront. We’re excited to welcome even more partners who want to shape the future with us and amplify the impact of this platform.
View all sponsors
Strong bonds

Africa Focused,


Globally connected

Across continents and industries, the Africa Business Club community is shaping the future of business, policy, and innovation. Our network spans global finance, tech, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and development  powered by alumni who lead with purpose and students who rise with vision.

From Africa to the world, we are connected by more than a school, we are bound by a shared commitment to Africa’s progress. For those who come next, this is more than a club. It is a launchpad, a family, and a legacy in motion.
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