Abidjan: The Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Jos© de Lima Massano, delivered a message from Angolan President Joo Louren§o to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Monday. The Angolan minister is attending the “Africa CEO Forum 2025” in Abidjan, representing the President of the Republic at this annual business summit. The forum aims to explore new forms of partnership between the public and private sectors to foster competitive advantages for the African continent.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan delegation has focused on the national strategic priority of food security, engaging with businessmen from C´te d’Ivoire’s real economy sector, particularly in agro-industry. The delegation plans to conduct exploratory visits to palm oil refineries and rubber plantations. Additionally, the national delegation participated in a presidential panel titled “Towards a Powerful Africa: The Road to Economic, Political and Commercial Integration.”
During the discussion, leaders from South Africa, Mauritania, Rwanda, and C´te d’Ivoire emphasized the importance of coordinating and harmonizing public policies with private sector contributions. This approach aims to expedite the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and information.
The forum’s opening ceremony saw attendance from several African heads of state, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Mauritania’s Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani. In his address, President Alassane Ouattara highlighted that Africa’s priority should be fostering human capital to enhance competitiveness in food production and infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, while integrating technologies like artificial intelligence.
The event has attracted over 2,000 participants, comprising leaders of African and global companies, government officials, and representatives from major regional and multilateral financial institutions. Over the two-day event, attendees will delve into 26 thematic areas, including African interests, education and talent development, agriculture and agribusiness, investment, infrastructure, and transportation and logistics.