Dangote Group and a fintech behemoth Flutterwave have been appointed to the Milken Institute’s Africa Leaders Business Council.
Influential thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and specialists from a range of fields, including business, technology, finance, sustainability, and innovation, make up the recently established council.
The institute said in a statement that the council’s goal is to expand the institute’s network and involvement throughout Africa.
In order to assist the Institute’s efforts to increase involvement throughout the continent, their combined knowledge seeks to offer insightful information about the changing business climate in Africa.Together with other members of the Council, Flutterwave and Dangote Group are poised to play pivotal roles in advancing the Institute’s initiatives, leveraging their extensive reach and influence to foster sustainable economic growth and innovation within Africa and beyond.
MIlken Institute identified the key roles the two Nigerian companies have been playing in the African continent as business leaders.
“Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, plays a pivotal role in enabling global multinationals such as Uber, to expand seamlessly into African markets. Additionally, Flutterwave facilitates remittances from the African diaspora worldwide, supporting family, business, and other needs.
“Dangote Group is the largest manufacturing conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest in Africa, with interest in oil and gas, cement, sugar, salt etc.,” the Institute stated.
Commenting on Flutterwave’s selection as a member of the Council, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, said:
“Flutterwave’s role in facilitating seamless market entry for global enterprises into Africa, alongside empowering local businesses, perfectly complements the Milken Institute’s focus on leveraging technology and expertise to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Institute to foster innovation and inclusive development in Africa.”
Milken Institute said the establishment of the Africa Leaders Business Council reinforces its commitment to Africa, aligning with its strategic expansion across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Laura Deal Lacey, Executive Vice President leading the international program at the Milken Institute, stated that
“Amidst the rapidly intensifying geopolitical landscape, and given its tremendous demographic potential, Africa is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global economy.
Africa’s innovation and ingenuity are unparalleled, positioning the continent to play a pivotal role in the global economy. Our Council will provide crucial guidance on navigating regional challenges and addressing global issues such as climate change, health, and energy transition.”
Lacey further disclosed that scheduled events aimed at mobilizing the council encompass a private investor dialogue coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, a policy roundtable in Nigeria focusing on debt sustainability pathways, participation in the upcoming Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in December, alongside a series of curated webinars and tailored in-person and virtual discussions.
