More than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key global markets will convene in Cape Town on July 9 and 10 for the Africa Unlocked 2026 conference, an initiative of Standard Bank aimed at accelerating trade, investment and sustainable economic growth on the continent.
Hosted under the theme Built in Africa: Amplifying Continental Growth, the conference will focus on the expanding role of African businesses, capital and innovation in shaping the continent’s next phase of development. Organisers say the platform will emphasise practical actions needed to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
Now in its third edition, Africa Unlocked has evolved alongside the continent’s economic transformation. As African economies strengthen regional value chains, mobilise investment and build globally competitive enterprises, the conference will bring together leaders from business, government, development finance institutions and academia to exchange ideas and forge partnerships.
Sim Tshabalala, the Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, said Africa’s growth momentum is increasingly being driven by businesses expanding into new markets and entrepreneurs scaling with confidence.
“Across the continent, we are seeing businesses expanding into new markets, entrepreneurs scaling with confidence and investment supporting infrastructure, industrialisation and innovation,” Tshabalala said. “The next phase of growth will depend on how effectively we build on this momentum through stronger partnerships, greater regional integration and continued investment in Africa’s productive economy.”
The meeting comes at a time when global supply chains are shifting and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve. With the African Continental Free Trade Area gaining traction, business leaders are increasingly focusing on strengthening intra-African trade, attracting productive investment and building economic resilience.
Since its launch in 2024, Africa Unlocked has grown into one of Standard Bank’s leading thought leadership platforms. It convenes influential voices from across sectors to advance practical solutions for Africa’s development, with this year’s programme placing emphasis on collaboration, innovation and implementation.
Key discussions at the conference will centre on commercial diplomacy and regional integration, mobilisation of capital for infrastructure and industrialisation, energy security and climate resilience, and the application of artificial intelligence to improve productivity across industries.
Other sessions will explore how African businesses can scale into regional and global players, as well as issues of wealth creation, succession planning and investment flows. The conference will also assess Africa’s economic outlook amid changing global conditions, culminating in a closing dialogue featuring business leaders sharing first-hand perspectives on the continent’s growth journey.
Bill Blackie, Chief Executive of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group, said the platform is designed to drive meaningful conversations that translate into action.
“Africa’s growth story is increasingly being written by businesses that are scaling across borders, attracting investment and embracing innovation,” Blackie said. “Africa Unlocked brings together decision-makers who can unlock investment, enable trade and build the partnerships required to turn opportunity into measurable economic growth.”
Organisers say the initiative reflects Standard Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Africa’s development by connecting businesses to capital, facilitating trade and financing infrastructure. The platform also seeks to help businesses convert opportunities into scalable and sustainable growth.
The conference will be held at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, with high-level delegates drawn from across Africa and international markets expected to attend.
