African business and political leaders called for faster regional economic integration and the creation of larger African-owned companies during a forum in Rwanda.

This push for integration aims to move the continent beyond fragmented markets and build "continental champions" capable of competing on a global scale. By strengthening private-sector-led growth, leaders seek to attract more investment and reduce reliance on external markets.

The 13th Africa CEO Forum [2] concluded Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre [1]. The event brought together more than 2,000 heads of state, chief executives, and entrepreneurs representing 75 countries [4].

Among the key participants was Aliko Dangote, who used the platform to reiterate calls for a visa-free Africa [3]. Dangote and other policymakers said that removing travel restrictions is essential for the seamless movement of people and capital across borders, a necessary step for genuine economic integration.

Discussions also focused on the development of homegrown capital markets. Participants said that African-owned companies must scale up to compete with global giants, which requires more robust local financing mechanisms and a unified approach to trade [3].

The forum served as a strategic meeting for CEOs and policymakers to align their goals for the continent's economic trajectory [5]. The consensus among attendees was that Africa must transition from a collection of small, isolated markets into a cohesive economic bloc to ensure long-term stability and growth [6].

“African business is thinking big”

The emphasis on 'continental champions' and visa-free travel suggests a strategic shift toward reducing dependency on Western and Asian imports. By consolidating fragmented markets into a single economic entity, African nations aim to leverage their collective bargaining power and create internal economies of scale that can sustain industrialization without relying solely on foreign direct investment.