Standard Bank Africa: Business Leaders Convene to Accelerate Investment, Innovation and Growth

More than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key global markets will gather in Cape Town on 9 – 10 July for Standard Bank’s Africa Unlocked 2026 conference to explore the practical actions required to accelerate trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Hosted by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking under the theme Built in Africa.

Amplifying Continental Growth, the conference will focus on the growing role of African businesses, capital, and innovation in shaping the continent’s next phase of development.

Now in its third edition, Africa Unlocked has evolved alongside Africa’s economic journey.

As the continent strengthens regional value chains, mobilises investment and builds globally competitive businesses, the conference will convene leaders from business, government, development finance institutions and academia to exchange practical ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore solutions that support long-term economic growth.

“Across the continent, we are seeing businesses expanding into new markets, entrepreneurs scaling with confidence, and investment supporting infrastructure, industrialisation, and innovation.

Investment

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.” This is according to Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group.

Against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, shifting global supply chains, and growing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, business leaders are focused on how Africa can strengthen intra-African trade, attract productive investment, and enhance long-term economic resilience.

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Since its launch in 2024, Africa Unlocked has grown into one of Standard Bank’s leading thought leadership platforms, convening influential voices from business, government, development finance, and academia to advance practical solutions for Africa’s development.

This year’s programme focuses on practical action, collaboration, and innovation to support investment, strengthen trade, unlock entrepreneurship, and build globally competitive African businesses.

Discussions at Africa Unlocked 2026 will include

Trade Without Borders – Africa’s New Commercial Diplomacy: Exploring how commercial diplomacy, regional integration, and the African Continental Free Trade Area can unlock new trade and investment opportunities.

Architecture of African Capital – Domestic Markets to Global Finance: Examining how domestic and international capital can be mobilised to finance Africa’s infrastructure, industrialisation, and long-term development.

Energy at the Core – Managing Resources, Climate and Water: Addressing the role of energy security, resource management, and climate resilience in supporting sustainable growth.

AI in the Engine Room – Deploying Technology Across African Industries: Exploring the practical application of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

From Mid-Corp to Continental Champion – Scaling African Business: Examining what it will take to build African businesses capable of competing successfully across regional and international markets.

Building Legacies That Last – Wealth, Succession and International Capital: Discussing wealth preservation, succession planning, and international investment.

Ruptured World – Economic Overview: Assessing Africa’s economic outlook amid changing geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions.

African Growth. First Hand.: A closing conversation with business leaders sharing first-hand perspectives on Africa’s growth journey.

Africa Unlocked

According to Bill Blackie, Chief Executive of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group, Africa Unlocked has evolved into a platform for practical conversations about Africa’s economic future.

“Africa’s growth story is increasingly being written by businesses that are scaling across borders, attracting investment and embracing innovation.

Africa Unlocked is about discussing Africa’s future by bringing together decision-makers who can unlock investment, enable trade, and build the partnerships required to turn opportunity into measurable economic growth.”

Africa Unlocked reflects Standard Bank’s commitment to driving Africa’s growth by connecting businesses to capital, facilitating trade, financing infrastructure, and partnering with clients as they start, manage, and grow across the continent.

The platform reinforces Standard Bank’s role in helping clients convert Africa’s opportunities into bankable, scalable, and sustainable growth.

Africa Unlocked 2026 takes place on 9 and 10 July 2026 at the Norval Foundation, Cape Town.

High-Level Delegates And Speakers

High-level delegates and speakers include:

Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive, Standard Bank Group

Bill Blackie, Chief Executive, Business & Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Group

David Hodnett, Chief Executive, Standard Bank South Africa

Goolam Ballim, Chief Economist, Standard Bank Group

Trudi Makhaya, Head of Geopolitics, Standard Bank Group

Francis Karuhanga, CEO, Stanbic Uganda Holdings

Adam Ikdal, Chief Strategy Officer, Standard Bank

Simone Cooper, Head: Business & Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa

Andrew Mashanda, Head: Business & Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Africa Regions & Offshore

Mohammed Dewji, Chief Executive Officer, MeTL Group

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Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, AGBIZ

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, CEO, Industrial Development Corporation

Senior executives will also participate from the African Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Botswana Stock Exchange, British International Investment, Microsoft Africa Development Centre, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research, Standard Advisory China, Pangaea Securities, Safe Power Holdings, Vohra Group Holdings, and the International Rescue Committee, together with business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key international markets.

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Bill Blackie, a prominent business leader. He currently serves as the Chief Executive of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group. PHOTO/ FILE.