Africa's healthcare systems face critical challenges: reducing reliance on foreign aid, addressing the shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases, and expanding access to care. This panel explores practical and innovative models to transform pharmaceutical development and manufacturing on the continent, moving Africa from consumer to creator in the global health value chain.

In a world of shifting alliances and great power competition, Africa is no longer content to be a passive player. This panel examines how African nations and leaders are designing partnerships on their own terms — balancing relationships with traditional Western allies, China, and emerging partners — to maximize the continent's strategic interests and economic sovereignty.

As the global AI race intensifies, Africa has a unique opportunity to own its AI transition rather than be a passive recipient of technology built elsewhere. This panel brings together leaders in AI infrastructure, talent development, and market formation to explore how the continent can build the compute capacity, cultivate the technical talent, and create the market conditions needed to compete and lead in the AI era.

East Africa is home to some of the continent's most dynamic and innovative business ecosystems. This lunch session shines a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, enterprises, and ecosystems driving growth across the region — from Nairobi's tech scene to Addis Ababa's manufacturing ambitions — and explores what makes East African business unique and globally competitive.