The new program represents Milken Institute’s regional engagement strategy focused on paving the way for stronger, more comprehensive partnerships across the African continent

Washington DC, July 9th, 2024— The Milken Institute is proud to announce the establishment of its Africa Leaders Business Council. This newly formed council comprises influential thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from various sectors, including business, technology, finance, sustainability, and innovation. The council aims to deepen the Institute’s network and engagement across Africa. 

The council will leverage the expertise of its members to provide insights into Africa’s dynamic business landscape, supporting the Milken Institute’s stakeholders in their efforts to expand their presence and impact in the region. The inaugural members of the Africa Leaders Business Council include:

• Africa Investment Forum
• BES
• CrossBoundary Group
• Dangote Group
• Flutterwave
• Lateral Frontiers VC
• Lions Head Global Partners
• Prosper Africa
• Proxima Legal
• RisCura
• Sabi
• Symbion Power
• Tofino Capital
• Ubuntu Group
• Unified State Group
• Women’s World Banking
• YAATRA Ventures

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.

“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,” said Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave and member of the Africa Leaders Business Council. “We are excited to collaborate with the Institute to foster innovation and inclusive development in Africa.”

The establishment of the Africa Leaders Business Council underscores the Milken Institute’s efforts to bolster its commitment to the continent and complements the Institute’s plan to solidify its presence across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. 

“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,” said Laura Deal Lacey, Executive Vice President who leads the international program at the Milken Institute. “We recognize the excellence in Africa’s innovation and ingenuity. We believe our Africa Leaders Business Council will play a key role in helping our stakeholders to navigate the continent and provide a fresh perspective in tackling issues shaping the global agenda across climate change, health, capital access, and energy transition.” 

Upcoming events intended to engage and mobilize the council include a private investor dialogue on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, a Nigeria policy roundtable on debt sustainability pathways, engagements at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in December, as well as curated webinars and bespoke in-person and virtual discussions.