The 25th Annual Africa Business Forum (WABF) themed “Continental Conversations: Choices for a New Africa” will convene from November 3rd – 5th, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA hosted by MBA students from The Wharton School – the world’s oldest graduate school of business.

WABF is the longest-running Africa business conference and  convenes more than 500 thought leaders, dignitaries, CEOs, captains of industry, young professionals and MBA students from around the world to contemplate career leadership and champion Africa as a business destination.

This year’s conference will be anchored by keynote addresses from Ethiopian Airlines CEO – Tewolde GebreMariam, Nigerian Minister of Finance – Kemi Adeosun, Nigerian Minister of Industry Trade and Investments – Dr. Oke Enemalah, Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group Casablanca – Patrick Dupoux, and African Development Bank Trade and Investments Director – Dr. Abdu Mukhtar.

“When you look at the figures, 2 million more babies were born in Nigeria last year than in the entire E.U. Chew on that for a minute” says WABF Co-Chair Amaka Cypriana Uzoh, “and more than 70% of the world’s population is concentrated within a 8-9 hour flight radius of Addis Ababa,  hub of Ethiopian Airlines which is one of the oldest air fleets in the world. If we do our jobs correctly, this Forum will illuminate for current and future business leaders and investors what is so very actionable, marketable, and economically-sound about this picture of opportunity that has been painted.”

Additional highlights include:

• The New Venture Pitch Competition with a $10,000 Prize 
• 15+ Industry-focused Panels & Fireside Chats including Agriculture, Private Equity, Real Estate, Education, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship
• Masterclasses on Investing in African Art as an Asset Class and an investor-led case study on Andela’s Series C – the largest funding round of an African company by Facebook and Pardon Mukumbe of CRE Capital
• The Flagship WABF25 Career Fair featuring multinationals such as BCG, McKinsey, Bain, and the World Bank 
• WABF25 Black Tie Gala
• WABF25 Afterparty featuring a live performance by award-winning artist  Runtown of “Mad Over You”, “Gallardo”, and “For Life” fame

Historically WABF has provided unparalleled insights into the opportunities and challenges of operating in Africa; connected young professionals with leaders in Africa’s public, private and social sectors; and inspired educated talent in the Diaspora to pursue leadership in the development of the continent. More details about registration can be found here.