Africa’s future growth will be driven by stronger partnerships, increased investment and businesses that are built to compete across the continent. This was the message at the third edition of Standard Bank’s Africa Unlocked Conference, where more than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key international markets gathered at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town.
Hosted under the theme “Built in Africa: Amplifying continental growth,” Africa Unlocked 2026 brought together influential voices from business, government, development finance institutions and academia to explore practical solutions for accelerating trade, unlocking investment and strengthening Africa’s productive economy.
As Africa continues to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and respond to changing global economic conditions, delegates focused on how businesses can work together to create sustainable growth while unlocking new opportunities across borders.
Also read: Standard Bank commits R3.45 billion to help farmers beat climate pressure
Building on Africa’s Momentum
Opening the conference, Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group said Africa has entered an exciting phase of economic development.
“Across the continent we are seeing businesses expanding into new markets, entrepreneurs scaling with confidence and investment supporting infrastructure, industrialisation and innovation. The next phase of growth will depend on how effectively we build on this momentum through stronger partnerships, greater regional integration and continued investment in Africa’s productive economy.”
Practical Conversations for Real Growth
Topics included strengthening commercial diplomacy to unlock cross-border trade, mobilising domestic and international capital for infrastructure development, improving energy security and climate resilience, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve productivity, and supporting African businesses to scale into regional and global competitors.
Delegates also explored wealth creation, succession planning and the importance of building businesses that can create lasting value for future generations.
Also watch: Farmers, here’s how to benefit from Standard Bank and Orizon carbon credits
What It Means for Agriculture
Although the conference covered multiple sectors of the economy, many of the discussions have direct relevance for agriculture.
As one of Africa’s largest economic sectors, agriculture stands to benefit significantly from stronger regional trade, improved infrastructure, increased investment and easier access to finance.
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to create opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses and food processors to expand beyond their domestic markets and access new customers across the continent.
At the same time, conversations around financing, technology adoption and climate resilience highlighted the importance of equipping agricultural businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly integrated African economy.
Turning Opportunity into Action
According to Bill Blackie, Chief Executive of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group, the conference has become a platform for practical engagement rather than simply discussing possibilities.
“Africa’s growth story is increasingly being written by businesses that are scaling across borders, attracting investment and embracing innovation. Africa Unlocked is about bringing together decision-makers who can unlock investment, enable trade and build the partnerships required to turn opportunity into measurable economic growth.”
Also read: Standard Bank and Orizon join forces to help farmers earn additional income from regenerative agriculture
A Platform for Continental Leadership
The conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking Chief Executive Bill Blackie, Standard Bank South Africa Chief Executive David Hodnett, Standard Bank Group Chief Economist Goolam Ballim, Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo, Industrial Development Corporation CEO Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, as well as senior representatives from the African Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Microsoft Africa Development Centre and several other leading organisations.
Also read: ‘Data is the next gold for farmers’ – Standard Bank’s Brian Mahumani
