Development think tank the Milken Institute has launched the Africa Leaders Business Council, which brings together experts across business, technology, finance and investment, sustainability and innovation to support the Institute’s plan to deepen its network and engagements in Africa.

This new programme represents the institute’s regional engagement strategy focused on paving the way for stronger, more comprehensive partnerships across the African continent.

Council members will lend their expertise and provide a high-level overview of Africa’s evolving business landscape for Milken Institute’s wide-ranging network and stakeholders who wish to amplify their engagement in the region.

The establishment of the Africa Leaders Business Council underscores the Milken Institute’s efforts to bolster its commitment to the continent and complements the Institute’s plan to solidify its presence across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

“Amid the rapidly intensifying geopolitical landscape, and given its tremendous demographic potential, Africa is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global economy. We recognise the excellence in Africa’s innovation and ingenuity,” said Milken Institute executive VP and international programme lead Laura Deal Lacey.

“We believe our Africa Leaders Business Council will play a key role in helping our stakeholders to navigate the continent and provide a fresh perspective in tackling issues shaping the global agenda across climate change, health, capital access and the energy transition,” she added.

The inaugural members of the council include business and organisations Africa Investment Forum; BES; CrossBoundary Group; Dangote Group; Flutterwave; Lateral Frontiers VC; Lions Head Global Partners; Prosper Africa; Proxima Legal; RisCura; Sabi; Symbion Power; Tofino Capital; Ubuntu Group; Unified State Group; Women’s World Banking; and YAATRA Ventures.

Various events will be held to mobilise the council, including a private investor dialogue on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, a Nigeria policy roundtable on debt sustainability pathways, engagements at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in December, as well as curated webinars and bespoke in-person and virtual discussions.

Further, the Milken Institute’s engagements in Africa include the Global Financial Scholars Programmes, which aim to build the next generation of leaders in financial policy and public financial asset management.

It is also engaged in the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize programme, which invites global innovators and entrepreneurs to advance technological solutions toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Additionally, the Milken Institute is working to advance early warning systems for pandemic preparedness in Kenya and health innovation and cancer control in Nigeria.