CAPE TOWN – More than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key global markets will converge in Cape Town today and tomorrow for Standard Bank’s Africa Unlocked 2026 conference.
During this conference, discussions will centre on unlocking investment, strengthening regional trade and accelerating sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Held under the theme ‘Built in Africa: Amplifying Continental Growth’, the third edition of the conference comes at a time when African economies are increasingly positioning themselves to capitalise on regional integration, industrialisation and innovation as key drivers of long-term prosperity.
While the discussions are continental in scope, many of the issues on the agenda closely mirror Eswatini’s own economic priorities, including expanding exports, attracting foreign direct investment, supporting manufacturing, improving access to finance for businesses and unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Hosted by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, Africa Unlocked has grown into one of the continent’s premier thought leadership platforms, bringing together government leaders, development finance institutions, investors, academics and private sector executives to deliberate on practical solutions for Africa’s economic transformation.
This year’s discussions will take place against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, changing global supply chains and the continued implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to reshape trade patterns and create new opportunities for African businesses.
Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala said Africa is witnessing encouraging momentum as businesses expand into new markets, while investment continue to support infrastructure development, industrialisation and technological innovation.
“Across the continent, we are seeing businesses expanding into new markets, entrepreneurs scaling with confidence and investment supporting infrastructure, industrialisation and innovation. The next phase of growth will depend on how effectively we build on this momentum through stronger partnerships, greater regional integration and continued investment in Africa’s productive economy,” said Tshabalala.
He noted that Africa’s next chapter of economic growth would require stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions and the private sector to ensure investment translated into inclusive and sustainable development.
The conference programme reflects many of the continent’s most pressing economic priorities.
One of the headline sessions, Trade without borders – Africa’s new commercial diplomacy, will examine how commercial diplomacy, regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area can unlock greater trade and investment opportunities among African countries.
Another key discussion, architecture of African capital – domestic markets to global finance, will focus on mobilising both domestic and international capital to finance critical infrastructure projects, industrial expansion and long-term development.
Recognising the importance of reliable energy supplies to economic growth, delegates will also deliberate on energy at the core – managing resources, climate and water, which will explore strategies for improving energy security while strengthening climate resilience and responsible resource management.
Artificial intelligence will feature prominently during the conference through the session AI in the engine room – deploying technology across African industries, where experts will discuss how businesses can harness emerging technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and innovation across multiple sectors.
… conference to provide practical steps required
CAPE TOWN – Entrepreneurship and business expansion will also receive significant attention.
The session titled from Mid-Corp to continental champion – scaling African business will examine the practical steps required to help African companies expand beyond domestic markets and compete successfully across regional and international value chains.
Meanwhile, business owners and investors will participate in discussions on building legacies that last – wealth, succession and international capital, focusing on wealth preservation, succession planning and international investment opportunities.
The programme will also feature Ruptured World – Economic Overview, which will assess Africa’s economic outlook amid changing geopolitical realities and macroeconomic uncertainty.
The conference will conclude with African Growth. First Hand., a conversation featuring leading business executives sharing practical experiences on navigating growth opportunities across the continent.
Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking Chief Executive Bill Blackie said Africa Unlocked had evolved into a platform focused on practical action rather than theoretical discussions.
“Africa’s growth story is increasingly being written by businesses that are scaling across borders, attracting investment and embracing innovation.
“Africa Unlocked is about discussing Africa’s future by bringing together decision-makers who can unlock investment, enable trade and build the partnerships required to turn opportunity into measurable economic growth,” said Blackie.
He added that meaningful partnerships between governments, financiers and entrepreneurs would remain essential in translating Africa’s vast economic potential into tangible business opportunities and job creation.
Since its launch in 2024, Africa Unlocked has expanded in both size and influence, mirroring Africa’s own economic journey as countries deepen regional integration and seek greater participation in global value chains.
The conference also reflects Standard Bank’s broader strategy of supporting Africa’s development by connecting businesses to capital, facilitating cross-border trade, financing infrastructure projects and providing banking solutions that enable enterprises to grow beyond national borders.
The event reinforces the bank’s commitment to helping African businesses convert emerging opportunities into scalable and sustainable enterprises capable of competing globally.
The two-day conference will feature an impressive line-up of speakers drawn from across the financial, corporate and development sectors.
The diversity of delegates reflects growing recognition that Africa’s future economic success will depend on stronger partnerships between governments, development institutions, financiers and the private sector.
For Eswatini, discussions at Africa Unlocked are expected to provide valuable insights into expanding regional trade, attracting productive investment, leveraging digital technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
- Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala
- Business and Commercial Banking Chief Executive Bill Blackie
- Standard Bank South Africa Chief Executive David Hodnett
- Standard Bank Group Chief Economist Goolam Ballim
- Head of Geopolitics Trudi Makhaya
- Stanbic Uganda Holdings Chief Executive Francis Karuhanga
- Standard Bank Chief Strategy Officer Adam Ikdal; Business and Commercial Banking South Africa Head Simone Cooper
- Business and Commercial Banking Africa Regions and Offshore Head Andrew Mashanda
- MeTL Group Chief Executive Mohammed Dewji
- Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo
- Industrial Development Corporation Chief Executive Mmakgoshi Lekhethe
- Senior executives from the African Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Botswana Stock Exchange, British International Investment, Microsoft Africa Development Centre, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research, Standard Advisory China, Pangaea Securities, Safe Power Holdings, Vohra Group Holdings and the International Rescue Committee are also expected to participate.
Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala. (R) Bill Blackie, CE of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group. (Courtesy pics)