Towards Global

Convergence

Advancing New Partnerships. Delivering Progress for Africa

16th - 20th sepetmber, 2024

Venue: United Nations HQ, millennium Hilton, New York

Transforming Africa, One Leader at a Time

Best of Africa Leadership Advancement Global Awards (BALAGA)

BALAGA recognizes the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations to the development of Africa. We understand that many changemakers are challenging the status quo, advancing bold and innovative solutions to solve socio-economic and political challenges in Africa in small and big ways and sometimes at great personal expense. The award seeks to identify and recognize exceptional leaders for their enormous contributions to the society in the eye of the world.

Presented in New York CIty at the United Nations HQ, the award presents a laudable global recognition for transformative initiatives and endeavours.

Awardees are inducted into the Pan African Leaders Forum (PELF) Global Leaders Hall of Fame and serve as mentors for a new generation of transformational leaders and builders of the New Africa. 

Under the Special Patronage of

Eric Adams
The Mayor of New York City

High Level Forum at the United Nations HQ

Africa Forward - The Future of Security, Economy and Investment in Africa features panel discussions, keynote and Fireside chat with some of the most talented and thought-provoking leaders and individuals in the continent.

Invest in Africa @NYC

Hosted at the Millennium Hilton in NYC @ Times Square, featuring deal room/one-on-one breakfast Investment Roundtable, B2B delegation meetings and more

Through Our Eyes

Investment in Africa City Delegation Tour of New York City. 5 curated tours of the NYC Africa and friends of Africa investment business and innovation ecosystem.

#AfricaRising Development Conversation @Columbia University

An evening of conversation and engagement on the future of Africa in the world. An evening of cultural and social experiences with global leaders and African in the diaspora.

A Global Dialogue with Local Impact

Promoting Investment Advancing Sustainable Peace | Expanding Economic Opportunities | Accelerating Progress

The forum brings together the best of Africa's minds to envision a new way of collaborating to advance Africa's progress. As we convene Africa's leading policymakers, business leaders, political leaders, academics, civil society leaders, and citizen actors, we offer a platform to advance innovative ideas, explore bold, new solutions with the radical potential to transform Africa's security challenges, deliver economic prosperity for all and bring a new era of development through transformational leadership. We bring Africans and friends of Africa togeter to have honest conversations that transform the continent in new ways through partnerships and collaborations that impact at scale.
Holding alongside the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the forum presents a rare opportunity to engage global leaders for local impact. With a focus on global mobilisation on strategic local initiatives that empower and engage local policymakers on Africa's transformation. it leverages the strategic positioning of the UNGA to galvanize international support and spotlight ideas that will bring Africa's transformation in the security, econmic and investment ecosystems.

Get a Ticket

From African, to the World

One Forum, Unlimited Opportunities

We are building the right community with intending and expert DeFi and Blockchain enthusiasts. We are set out to train young women in Africa who are interested in Blockchain and Crypto with little or no knowledge for FREE and link them to paying jobs where they can put their acquired knowledge and skills to practice.

Peace and Security in Africa

Expanding ne frontiers for inclusive peace, addressing root causes of conflict and promoting innovative strategies to fighting insurgency in the sahara.

Economic Prosperity for all Africans

Bold New Ideas for Investment in Africa. Exploring new alternatives through green and impact investing. Advancing innovative opportunities in the digital economy, infrastructure and industrial development and non-oil opportunities.

Inclusive Development for all Africans

Deepening democracy, promoting transformative leadership, closing the inequality gap through innovative development initiatives powered by SDG actions. Advocating for citizen focused development agenda.

Speakers

Keynotes | Panel Discussions | Fireside Chats | Workshops

His Excellency

Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera

President, Malawi

His Excellency

Faustin-Archange Touadera

President, Central African Republic

His Excellency

Carlos Dila Nova

President, São Tomé and Príncipe

His Excellency

Emmerson Mnangagwa

President, Zimbabwe

His Royal Majesty

King Bungane III.

Embo Kingdom of Africa (South Africa)

Dr. Hoda Galal Yassag

President of the Arab Women Investors Union, Egypt.

Vice Admiral Auwal Zubairu Gambo (GCFR)

Fmr. Chief Naval Staff, Nigeria

HE. Siminalayi Fubara

Executive Governor, Rivers State, Nigeria

HE Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu

Executive Governor, Cross River State, Nigeria

Prof. Hauwa Ibrahim

Senior Professor, Harvard School of Law

His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo

Governor, Kogi State, Nigeria

Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu

Chairman, BUA Group

Ms. Angelle B. Kwem

Founder, Belief in Africa, Inc.

HE Nuhu RIbadu

National Security Adviser, Nigeria

Senator Shehu Buba

Chair, Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, Nigerian Senate.

Dr. Zuhal Karakoc

Grand National Assembly, Turkiye

Dr. Manu Lekunze

University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Dr. Omer Caglar Yilma

Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Turkey.

Tein T.S Jack-Rich CON

Former APC Presidential Candidate & Belemaoil President/Founder

Tickets

One Event. Unlimited Opportunities

It's a new Era of Economic Transformation in Africa. Join Hundred of business leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers to explore emerging opportunities in the economic future of Africa.

Regular

Ticket
$ 200
  • Fireside Chat
  • Panel Discussions
  • NYC Delegation Tours
  • B2B MeetUp and Business Breakfast
Popular

VIP

Ticket
$ 450
  • Ecosystem Tours
  • Business Leadership Seminar
  • Inclusive of all Attendee Activities
  • Participate in the Transformational Leadership Masterclass

International Forum on security, Economy, and Investment in Africa Brochure

Download the brochure detailing the event activities, expo, and transformative information. 

Facilitating Economic Transformation of Africa Through Investment

We present a series of events showcasing the different industries in Africa, with the goal of facilitating economic transformation in the region.

September 17th
Program Day One
Forum Discussions

Africa Forward - The Future of Security, Economy and Investment in Africa features panel discussions, keynote and Fireside chat with some of the most talented and thought-provoking leaders and individuals in the continent.

September 18-19th
Program Day Two
Invest in Africa Expo @NYC

Investment in Africa City Delegation Tour of New York City. 5 curated tours of the NYC Africa and friends of Africa investment business and innovation ecosystem.

September 20th
Program Day Three
Transformational Leadership Masterclass

A full day hands on workshop on principles and practices of transformational leadership for business and public leaders. (Separate registration required)

September 20th
Program Day Three
#GOJEAfrica Social Evening

An evening of relaxation and networking. Hosted at the Lagos@TimesSquare.

International

Organizing Committee

Vice Admiral Auwal Zubairu Gambo (GCFR)

Fmr. Chief Naval Staff, Nigeria
CHAIRMAN - IOC

Alkazim M. Zangina

CEO. Akazio Investment and Consult Ltd.

Sir. McEva Temofe

Group MD, Purple Hundred Company

Ibrahim Usman

International Security Specialist

Aisah Salisu

MD/CEO. March Energy Limited

Olalekan Oshunkoya

CEO. Impact Central

Abdulganiyu R. Maidumbayya

CEO. Digital Development Hub

Our Facilitating Partners