2021

INVESTING IN AFRICA
A Journey Through Investment and Innovation

The Africa Summit 2021, hosted at the prestigious University of St. Gallen, once again brought together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other key stakeholders committed to unlocking the potential of the African continent. This year's summit, themed "Key Challenges and Solutions for Investing in Africa," served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, inspiration, and action-oriented solutions.

With the backdrop of Africa's evolving narrative—from being labeled "The Hopeless Continent" in 2000 to "Africa Rising" a decade later—our discussions centered on the critical issues of sustainable and inclusive growth. The summit explored how foreign infrastructural investments, coupled with the empowerment of local entrepreneurs and businesses, could drive transformative change across the continent.

Our distinguished speakers, including Yvonne Apiyo Brändle-Amolo, a fem-activist known for her impactful short film "Not Swiss Made," and Ricardo Murillo from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, shared their unique insights and experiences. Their contributions illuminated the complex dynamics of public debt management, investment trends, and the role of multinational enterprises and startups in Africa's economic ecosystem.

The 2021 summit was not just about discussions; it was an experience enriched by the participation of over 350 attendees and insights from 13 speakers across various industries. The event underscored the importance of investing in people and developing financial instruments tailored to Africa's needs. Through interactive panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, we delved into the intricacies of doing business in Africa, addressing common misconceptions and uncovering opportunities for impactful investment.

Our sponsorship partners, recognized as The Leopard, The Elephant, and The Lion, played a pivotal role in making the summit a resounding success. Their contributions enabled us to foster an environment where meaningful connections were made, and future collaborations were initiated.

As we document the journey of the Africa Summit 2021, we remain committed to the vision of a thriving, innovative, and interconnected Africa. We are grateful to AIESEC for their ongoing support and to all our participants, speakers, and sponsors who made this year's summit an unforgettable experience.

Looking forward, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We invite everyone to join us in future summits as we continue to explore, debate, and shape the future of Africa and our plane