The eighth African Business Forum opened on February 18, 2025 in Addis Ababa, in the historic Africa Hall in Ethiopia. Discussions revolved around the theme “From Potential to Prosperity: Activating Africa's Regional Value Chains.”

The eighth African Business Forum was jointly organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Finance Corporation (Afc). This event brought together policy makers, investors, and key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The aim was to examine investment opportunities and address critical challenges concerning regional value chains in Africa. Indeed, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Taye Atsekselassie, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of creating sustainable value chains to reduce Africa's dependence on external markets

For his part, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized the urgency of strengthening Africa's value chains to stimulate economic growth and industrialization on the continent. According to him, Africa is rich in resources, but our participation in global value chains remains underdeveloped.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is a powerful tool that can unlock the continent's potential by promoting industrialization and reducing food imports,” said the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Taye Atsekselassie.
Selon the President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (Africa Finance Corporation), Samaila Zubairu, “Investing in infrastructure, human capital and technology is essential to create the foundations of value chains that are solid regions that can lead to the economic transformation of the continent.”