Second Edition of the Casablanca Business Forum Set for October 2, 2026
Casablanca Finance City (CFC) has announced the upcoming second edition of the Casablanca Business Forum, scheduled for October 2, 2026. This year's theme is 'Africa’s Next Economic Chapter,' featuring a keynote address by Professor Philippe Aghion, the 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics. The forum aims to gather public decision-makers, corporate leaders, investors, financial institutions, and international experts to collectively explore strategies for enhancing Africa's competitiveness, increasing its influence in global governance, and transitioning from being an investment destination to a key player in new economic dynamics.
Africa Amidst New Global Equilibriums
In a world characterized by geopolitical tensions, a resurgence of protectionism, climate imperatives, and rapid technological advancement, both states and businesses are reevaluating their strategies, investments, and value chains. For Africa, these transformations pose a fundamental question: how can the continent enhance its sovereignty while capitalizing on new investment and growth opportunities? The forum in Casablanca will serve as a platform to discuss the choices that will shape Africa's trajectory in the coming years.
This edition will bring together leaders, experts, and institutional representatives to address five critical issues: economic sovereignty, global competition for capital, international economic governance, regional integration—particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—and talent mobilization. Professor Philippe Aghion, known for his research on innovation, growth, and creative destruction, will discuss the levers that can transform economic and technological changes into engines of productivity and competitiveness.
Other notable speakers include Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Benin; Elisabeth Moreno, former French Minister and Chair of the Board at Ring Capital & Ring Africa; Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister of Benin and co-founder of SouthBridge; Abdellatif Mâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council; Alain Ebobissé, President of Africa50; Vera Songwe, President and Founder of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility; Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD; and Philippe Valahu, CEO of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). A complete list of speakers and the program details are available at the [Casablanca Business Forum 2026](https://casablancafinancecity.com/en/cbf "https://casablancafinancecity.com/en/cbf").
As Africa's leading financial hub, Casablanca Finance City is home to nearly 300 companies committed to the continent, representing 70 nationalities and operating in 53 African countries. Positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, CFC connects businesses and international investors with African markets. Casablanca aims to strengthen its role as a gateway to the continent and as a regional platform for economic integration and growth.
Established in 2010, Casablanca Finance City (CFC) is recognized as Africa's premier business and financial hub according to the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). CFC currently unites nearly 300 international companies around a common strategic vision: development in Africa. To support its members' expansion on the continent, CFCA provides an integrated ecosystem designed to structure their regional development, optimize their operational performance, and amplify their impact.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
