As global attention turns to the culmination of South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency, some of the most influential business and institutional leaders will convene at the 12th CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa to deliberate on initiatives to build long-term and constructive partnerships to accelerate development in Africa.
The CEO Dialogue, hosted by The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), a leading private Think Tank, will take place at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg from 20-21 November 2025. The event’s agenda underscores how partnerships between the public and private sectors and across nations can unlock opportunity and prosperity.
Discussions will put the spotlight on initiatives in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and mining, as well as a forward-looking view of Africa’s geopolitical and business landscape.
The “CEOs’ Views on African Business,” is one of the key sessions at the event and will feature the signing of the CEO Manifesto – a strategic document outlining 10 key statements from business leaders on the future of business in Africa, that will be shared with G20 member states and the South African Presidency.
Nhlanhla Nene, Chairman of The European House – Ambrosetti Africa ((TEHA), says: “Africa’s progress depends on institutions across the public and private sector and throughout the continent working together to drive growth and development. This is why we bring leaders from Africa together each year to foster collaboration and forge a vision for the future. Through open dialogue and shared commitment, our platform strengthens cooperation between Africa and the global community in pursuit of ambitious development goals.”
The initiative is hosted in collaboration with a selection of high-level international and African partners, including Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest financial institution by assets.
Lungisa Fuzile Chief Executive of Africa Regions and Offshore at Standard Bank Group says: “Africa faces an annual infrastructure funding gap of $100bn and platforms such as the CEO Dialogue are key to reinforcing the urgency of closing this gap. We welcome the opportunity to participate in collaborative efforts aimed at mobilising support for investable projects that could accelerate growth across Africa.”
Various partners echo the same sentiment in supporting the objective to strengthen strategic relationships, foster in-depth interaction among peers and government officials, and promote joint growth and investment opportunities:
“In the spirit of the Mattei Plan for Africa and the European Global Gateway, the Italian Development Cooperation recognises the private sector as a key actor, particularly in the agribusiness and energy sectors, where entrepreneurial expertise can provide tangible added value. The participation of the Italian Development Cooperation and AICS in this event represents an important opportunity to present Italy’s strategies in the region and to engage 11 companies from all five countries under its competence in a context rich in opportunities. Thanks to the excellent collaboration with the Embassies of Italy in Maputo, Harare, Lusaka, and Luanda, as well as with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) Offices, the AICS Maputo Office is particularly pleased to take part in the CEO Forum on Southern Africa 2025”, said Paolo Sertoli (Director, AICS Maputo).
Sthembiso Dlamini, Acting Group CEO, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, added “The CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa comes at a pivotal moment, just days ahead of the G20 Summit, as we strengthen Gauteng’s role as South Africa’s strategic hub for trade and investment. Building bridges between Gauteng and Europe’s leading industries is not only about attracting capital, it’s about investing in shared prosperity. Our long-standing partnership with Italy continues to yield tangible results, from the Chamdor Automotive Hub to the AIDC Trade Test Centre, projects that exemplify how collaboration can drive skills development, industrial growth, and inclusive transformation. Through this platform, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening bilateral partnerships that position Gauteng as the gateway to Africa’s next wave of innovation and sustainable industrialisation.”
“In 2025, ITA will strengthen its commitment in Sub-Saharan Africa with renewed participation in the 12th edition of the TEHA CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa. Among the key initiatives, in line with the Mattei Plan, the Agency, in collaboration with the ITA offices in Johannesburg, Luanda, Maputo, and Nairobi, and with the contribution of regional Desks, will support this edition by placing at the center of the initiative a seminar dedicated to the growth of the Sub-Saharan macro-area, based on three strategic pillars: international trade and industrial cooperation, digitalization and telecommunications, technical training and professional capacity building. The goal will be to gather the positions of African partners in these areas and identify the main cooperation opportunities for Italian companies and for the Italian system as a whole.” – Matteo Zoppas, President, Italian Trade Agency.
Matshidiso Masire, Deputy Director, Gates Foundation Southern Africa said “Investing in human capital is one of the smartest and most transformative choices a country can make. Partnerships between governments, business, and philanthropy can turn innovation into impact – making sure every child has the chance to be healthy, to learn, and to contribute to a more equitable future. That’s the kind of inclusive growth the world needs – and Africa is showing how to lead the way.”
The Dialogue will be followed by a Gala Dinner on the evening of Thursday, November 20th, and a Cocktail Reception on Friday, November 21st, offering unique opportunities for high-level networking and informal exchange among participants.
SUPPLIED.
