The 2025 African Leadership and Business Summit concluded in Kigali this week, uniting influential voices from politics, business, and civil society to chart pathways for continental progress. Held from July 4–6 at the Marriott Hotel under the patronage of the “100 Most Remarkable Icons of Peace in Africa” initiative, the event spotlighted collaborative strategies for economic growth, health sovereignty, and sustainable development.
Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, the summit’s lead organizer, described the gathering as a “Pan-African agora” fostering dialogue among leaders from 30 countries. Attendees included Nigerian business magnates Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, Grammy-winning artists Burna Boy and Tems, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Moroccan journalist Abdelhak Najib. Over 50 honorees were recognized for their contributions to Africa’s development, with Morocco’s Dr. Imane Kendili emerging as a focal point for her groundbreaking work in mental health advocacy.
Dr. Kendili, President of African Global Health and newly appointed National Director for Morocco, delivered a keynote address urging governments to adopt health policies integrating harm reduction, climate resilience, and culturally informed mental health strategies. Her speech, titled “From Prevention to Prosperity,” emphasized the need for governance models rooted in local realities rather than imported frameworks. “Health sovereignty begins when our systems reflect Africa’s unique challenges and strengths,” she asserted, drawing applause for her dual focus on innovation and pragmatism.
A highlight of the summit was the launch of the second edition of “Africa Health Sovereignty – The Advocacy,” co-authored by Dr. Kendili, Kenyan health expert Dr. Amitt Thakker, South Africa’s Prof. Morgan Chetty, and Mr. Najib. The book outlines a roadmap for strengthening healthcare systems through South-South cooperation and policy reforms. Two regional launches are planned: July 16 in Abuja during the AHB Symposium and July 24 in Durban at the KZNDHC Medical Conference.
The event also marked Morocco’s rising influence in Pan-African affairs, with Rabat announced as host of the 2026 “100 Most Remarkable Africans” summit. Four African Global Health leaders—including Nigeria’s ABCHealth CEO Mories Atoki and IVI Director-General Dr. Ndembi Twanda—received special recognition for advancing public health initiatives.
Beyond formal ceremonies, the summit facilitated discussions on green energy, industrial innovation, and cross-border trade. Rwandan entrepreneur Munyakazi Sadate highlighted opportunities in sustainable agriculture, while Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi underscored education reforms as a catalyst for economic mobility.
Dr. Kendili’s prominence throughout the event symbolized a broader shift toward female leadership in African policymaking. Attendees noted her ability to bridge grassroots needs with high-level diplomacy, particularly in advocating for mental health’s inclusion in climate adaptation agendas. As debates concluded, participants emphasized the urgency of converting dialogue into actionable policies, with many citing the Kigali summit as a critical step in redefining Africa’s global role.
