More than 300 policymakers, investors and business leaders from 30 countries gathered in Geneva last week to discuss how Africa can strengthen its position in a rapidly changing global economy through increased trade, investment and industrial development.
The two-day Africa Collective Geneva 2026 conference, held under the patronage of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), focused on the theme “Africa in a New Global Economy: Trade, Capital, Impact.”
Participants examined how African countries can take advantage of shifting global supply chains and evolving international partnerships to achieve sustainable economic growth and greater global competitiveness.
“Africa’s position in a rapidly evolving global economy will be determined by its ability to strengthen trade architecture, mobilize capital at scale, and accelerate industrial transformation,” said Yemi Kale, managing director and group chief economist at African Export-Import Bank.
Kale said Afreximbank was supporting long-term economic transformation through trade financing, strategic investments and partnerships with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.
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The event was organised by Africa Collective, a platform aimed at strengthening Africa’s voice in global economic discussions and promoting collaboration between governments, businesses and investors.
Ian Carton, head of client coverage international at Standard Bank, said stronger trade links, access to long-term capital and effective partnerships would be critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
The conference opened with closed-door discussions and sector-focused meetings covering healthcare, finance, venture capital, commodities and infrastructure. A dedicated Deal Room facilitated business matchmaking and investment discussions among participants.
The second day featured the Swiss-African Business Day, with keynote speeches, panel discussions and thematic sessions covering infrastructure, energy, mining, agribusiness, healthcare and technical and vocational education and training.
Healthcare emerged as a major focus, with delegates examining ways to build resilient and locally driven health systems across the continent.
“Good health is a strategic investment that not only has the power to save lives but also to build more prosperous, resilient economies,” said Lutz Hegemann, president of global health and Swiss country affairs at Novartis.
A new feature of the conference was an “Invest in Morocco” session, which highlighted the North African country’s investment opportunities, skilled workforce and business environment.
Delegates concluded the event with calls for Africa to mobilise more domestic capital, strengthen investment frameworks and improve execution capacity to support long-term development.
Participants also stressed the importance of investing in education, skills development and talent retention, while empowering local businesses and manufacturers to drive sustainable economic growth.
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Africa Collective said the discussions reflected a growing consensus that stronger intra-African cooperation and deeper engagement with global partners will be essential as the continent seeks to play a larger role in the world economy.
