2024 on the Horizon: Elections, SDGs, and Economic Outlook

Welcome to Leading Africa Forward, our monthly newsletter featuring insightful conversations about corporate leadership and entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on how to drive inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent. We will also showcase some trailblazing female leaders at the helm of impactful change on the continent and share updates on our activities.

Africa 2024: Elections, Sustainable Development and Global Impact

This year holds a special place in the global narrative, with over 50 nations, including 19 African countries, gearing up for elections. It's a moment that has world leaders on the edge of their seats, anticipating outcomes that transcend borders. Here's why African elections are about to make waves across the world:

1. Economic Policies: Africa's ascent is undeniable, and a change in government could mean a shift in policies. The world, closely connected like a global village, will feel the impact on trade, fiscal decisions, and monetary strategies as leadership changes unfold in African nations.
2. Sustainable Development Goals: Beyond local considerations, these elections will determine how African nations contribute to the SDGs. The rule of law and good governance are crucial for transparent progress, sustainability, and gender inclusivity. The elections present an opportunity to promote more gender diversity in leadership at the highest level. We look forward to the outcomes of the elections in Rwanda, one of the most gender-balanced nations in the world.?
3. Technological Advancement: With the world's youngest country, South Sudan, holding its first-ever elections, the electoral process would represent a major milestone. Eyes are also on other African nations, curious about their innovations in ensuring elections are free and fair, blending technology and democracy.
4. National Stability and Human Rights: The nerve-wracking uncertainty of elections is not lost on citizens, but successful democratic transitions mean a more unified Africa. Democracy is an absolute necessity for the conservation of human rights and we hope that countries like Egypt with a high human rights index continue on that path. A stable Africa paves the way for sustained national growth.

As we eagerly await the unfolding of African elections, mindful of their profound impact on the world stage, our collective hope is for peace and safety. God bless Africa.

AWCN NEWS

New Year Meet-up

Our new year in-person gathering was an occasion to connect and expand networks with Dr. Modupe Irele, Nigeria’s former envoy to Hungary, Udo Ukonjo, Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman of Fine and Country West Africa, as guest speakers, and Nimi Akinkugbe, Nigeria’s former Representative to Greece, as special guests.

Dr. Irele shared on “Building a Multi-Sectoral International Career,” emphasizing how her selection of options, interests, and opportunities paved the way for her to establish a distinguished international career.

Udo Ukonjo, on the other hand, ?spoke about opportunities and surmounting challenges, with a focus on harnessing branding as a personal asset for advancement.

End of Year Virtual Meet-up

The Virtual Meet-up gathered our community of women leading impactful businesses from across the continent to draw upon collective experiences and perspectives from 2023 to chart a course for the upcoming year together.

AWCN @ Davos?

There was a strong representation of African women leaders in Davos and AWCN had a digital group for the second time this year.

Some notable African women leaders present were Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , Director General of the World Trade Organization, and Dr. Adanna Steinacker , Women Empowerment Advocate.

Our community was also powerfully represented, with some members speaking at various events:

Alice Usanase , Head, Country Relations & Equity Mobilization, Africa Finance Corporation; Jacquelyn Omosunbo Omotalade 羚 . 歐瑪塔雷德 , Climate Investments National Director, Dream.org; Nicole Sulu , Founder & President, Sultani Makutano business forum;; Pumela Salela CEO, Invest Global; Celeste Tchetgen Vogel , CEO & Co-Founder, eWAKA Mobility; Tola St. Matthew-Daniel , Executive VP, Freuds; Natalie Schrogl , Lead Management consultant at Cassini Consulting AG; Lehlé B. , Award-winning Journalist; Juliana Olayinka , News Anchor, Channels Television; Pauline Koelbl , Founder and Managing Partner of ShEquity; Lady Mariéme Jamme , Founder, iamtheCODE & Accur8Global; and Cathy Latiwa Amato , Senior Advisor Strategic Partnership and RM, UNFPA.

We also celebrate Temie Giwa - Tubosun who received an award during Davos from the Schwab Foundation for her innovative work at Lifebank Group.

We were also present at the Inkwell Beach “The Global Impact of Inclusion Experience” event founded by Adrianne Smith, Founder & President, Can: Diversity Collective, and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, FleishmanHillard.

It focused on elevating the conversation of DE&I and was held on Martin Luther King, Jr’s 95th birthday, celebrating the relevance of his teachings on pressing issues such as social change and equality today. It marked the first King holiday celebration during the World Economic Forum.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

It promises to be a year of more enriching programs. Look out for more details for our Q1 events.

• February 7:? Looking Forward: 2024 Economic Outlook
• February:? Group Coaching
• February 28:? Unleash Your Potential: Overcoming Excuses and Achieving Peak Performance Introductory Masterclass?
• March 8: International Women’s Day
• March: Women, Wealth & Finance Thought Leadership Session

What is AWCN?

We are a community of women leading businesses. This peer network helps women combat the “lonely-at-the-top" syndrome by supporting their professional growth through the provision of bespoke leadership development and access to business opportunities. Click here to join us To participate in our events, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Africa Women CEOs Network on LinkedIn.