Southern African and Italian Business Leaders Sign Bold Manifesto to Accelerate Africa’s Next Phase of Growth

Southern African and Italian business leaders have signed a landmark CEO Manifesto aimed at accelerating Africa’s next phase of economic growth. Announced at the 12th TEHA CEO Dialogue in Johannesburg alongside the G20 summit, the agreement brings together over 150 CEOs and policymakers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Italy. The Manifesto outlines ten strategic priorities focused on energy investment, infrastructure development, SME financing, digital transformation, talent mobility, regulatory stability, and women’s economic empowerment. Backed by the African Development Bank Group and The European House – Ambrosetti, the initiative positions the private sector as a driving force behind sustainable, inclusive growth across the continent. This strengthened Italy–Africa partnership aims to unlock Africa’s economic potential through coordinated investment, innovation, and long-term collaboration.

AfricaCom 2025: French Companies Ready to Transform Africa’s Telecommunications Landscape

At AfricaCom 2025 (Nov 11–13, Cape Town), Business France will lead 10 innovative French tech and telecom companies to showcase their expertise in AI, 5G, OTT, mobile payments, and digital transformation. As Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest telecom and technology event, AfricaCom will gather over 15,000 professionals and 500 exhibitors from 110 countries. With South Africa emerging as the region’s digital hub—boasting 98% 4G coverage, expanding 5G networks, and €1.47 billion in telecom investment—French firms aim to forge partnerships driving Africa’s digital revolution. The French Pavilion will highlight leading innovators such as Enreach, SmarDTV, Famoco, Speedcast, ENENSYS, and CapstonAI, reinforcing France’s role in building Africa’s connected, sustainable digital future.

Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector

Africa’s data centre sector is set to grow by 17.5% in 2025, driven by accelerating digital demand and strategic investments, according to the latest ADCA INSIDER SURVEY presented at the Data Centres in Africa conference. With 93.6% of industry leaders expecting continued growth, the sector is increasingly seen as foundational to the continent’s digital sovereignty, economic development, and regional integration. However, challenges such as energy access, financing, and talent development persist. ESG priorities are shifting toward energy efficiency, and digital sovereignty is gaining traction as a continental goal.