HBS Africa Business Club

Over the weekend,?my "boss" Amanda Rothamel and I, in our capacity as?Co-Presidents of the HBS Africa Business Club, had the privilege of welcoming over?1,100 attendees?to the?27th Africa Business Conference - the?largest student-run Africa-focused conference in the world?and the?biggest conference at the Harvard Business School. In our?welcome note, we emphasized that the conversations we have at the conference?must go beyond ideas?– they must lead to?tangible action and impact.?This year’s theme,?"Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress?", challenged us to rethink the barriers – real and perceived – that shape Africa’s economic trajectory.?Are borders limiting our potential, or is breaking them down essential for Africa’s prosperity? Over the course of the weekend, this question sparked deep discussions, inspiring?bold ideas, new partnerships, and a shared commitment to driving Africa’s growth beyond limitations.?From?thought-provoking keynotes?to?dynamic panel discussions?and the?electric energy in the networking halls, one thing became clear:?Africa’s future cannot be confined by artificial boundaries.?Collaboration, innovation, and bold leadership must drive us forward. Kwame Nkrumah?once said:?"We face neither East nor West; we face forward."?That spirit defined the conversations, ideas, and commitments made this weekend. The momentum doesn’t stop here – this is just the beginning.?Now is the time to turn discussions into action, to build across borders, and to shape a future where Africa’s growth is driven by unity and innovation. To our?speakers, sponsors, conference team, volunteers, and every single attendee?– thank you for making this event a success. Let’s keep pushing boundaries,?investing in Africa’s future, and turning the mandate of progress into reality. Photo credit: Evgenia Eliseeva #BeyondBorders2025 #HBSABC #HBS #HarvardBusinessSchool #AfricaBusinessClub #AfricaBusinessConference

Africa’s economic growth depends on seamless transport and logistics networks—but how can we bridge the infrastructure gap and create a truly interconnected continent? Join this #BeyondBorders2025 panel as industry leaders discuss the role of investment in building efficient transport network, innovative solutions for cross-border logistics, and strategies to improve infrastructure for trade and economic growth Zemedeneh Negatu , Bowale Odumade Adeoye, CDir , Nicolas Peltier

How can strategic investments drive sustainable economic growth and create lasting impact across Africa? This panel at?#BeyondBorders2025?brings together top investors, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the role of private and public capital in unlocking opportunities and innovative investment strategies shaping the continent’s future Maleda Bisrat, Denys Denya, Moulay Mhamed Elalamy ?? Feb 14-15, 2025 ?? Harvard Business School, Boston, MA ?? Register now—bit.ly/hbsabcticket

Africa’s tourism sector holds immense potential for economic growth, but how can it be reimagined to drive sustainable development and celebrate cultural heritage? Join this #BeyondBorders2025 fireside chat as experts discuss: The role of culture in shaping Africa’s tourism landscape, Sustainable and community-centered tourism models, How collaboration can unlock new opportunities across the continent H.E. Robinah Kakonge, Meryanne Loum-Martin, Paul Onwuanibe, and Tayo Aina ?? Feb 14-15, 2025 ?? Harvard Business School, Boston, MA ?? Register now—bit.ly/hbsabcticket

With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) reshaping markets, how can businesses, policymakers, and investors leverage this historic opportunity to unlock Africa’s full economic potential? Join this powerful keynote panel at #BeyondBorders2025 featuring: Amandla Ooko-Ombaka, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Elsie S. Kanza ?? February 14-15, 2025 ?? Harvard Business School, Boston, MA ?? Register now—bit.ly/hbsabcticket

We’re honored to host Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization at the African Development Bank, as a Keynote Speaker at #BeyondBorders2025! With decades of experience in economic transformation, industrialization, and sustainable development, Banji will share insights on how Africa can accelerate growth through industrial policy, investment, and innovation. ?? February 14-15, 2025 ?? Harvard Business School, Boston, MA ?? Don’t miss out—register now! Link in bio.

Looking to own and scale a business without starting from scratch? Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is an emerging pathway that enables entrepreneurs to acquire and grow existing businesses, unlocking high-value opportunities in Africa’s evolving economy. Join Rob LeBlanc and Kodwo (Kojo) Mills at?#BeyondBorders2025?as they break down how ETA can work in the African context

Africa Week at Harvard is Here! As we gear up for the Africa Business Conference, we’re taking time to celebrate, reflect, and connect through a week of culture, movement, and storytelling. From a documentary screening and Q&A with Rosine Mbakam to African Attire Day, Taste of Africa, Afrobeats Spin, and West African Dance, Africa Week is an opportunity to experience the richness, diversity, and energy of the continent. ?? Feb 9 - Feb 13 ?? Harvard University Join us in celebrating Africa, its people, and its impact on the world. #AfricaWeek #RoadToABC #HBSABC2025 #AfricanExcellence #HarvardBusinessSchool #HarvardAfrica

We are thrilled to welcome Amandla Ooko-Ombaka, Partner at McKinsey, as a Keynote Speaker at #BeyondBorders2025! Amandla brings deep expertise in strategy, economic development, and transformative business solutions across Africa. Her insights into Africa’s evolving markets, investment landscapes, and innovation will inspire new conversations on shaping the continent’s future. ?? February 14-15, 2025 ?? Harvard Business School, Boston, MA ?? Join the conversation—bit.ly/hbsabcticket

Meet Feven J. The Powerhouse Behind ABC’s New Venture Competition & Marketing! Feven is bringing the hype, innovation, and big ideas to this year’s conference! From showcasing Africa’s boldest entrepreneurs in the New Venture Competition ?? to making sure ABC is the most talked-about event of the year, she’s got it all covered. Who will take home the grand prize? What startups will blow us away? Feven is working on it