Africa Home to Rising Private Sector that Transforms Key Industries, Says UN Global Compact CEO, Exec. Director

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2025 (ENA)—Africa is home to a rising private sector that is transforming key industries such as energy, agriculture, digital technology, and job creation, according to United Nations Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the CEO and Global Compact CEO stated that there is a significant untapped potential in food production, land use, and capital investment in Africa where the youthful population and innovations have been growing fast.

 Therefore there is a need to move fast from promises to real investment, particularly in food systems, infrastructure, and skill development, she added.

 During her visit to Mojo in Ethiopia this week, Ethiopia, the CEO and Executive Director  observed the benefits of cluster farming, where smallholder farmers are brought together to improve access to quality seeds, market data, and agricultural support.

 According to her, the model has delivered visible progress in both wheat and banana value chains and demonstrated how collaborative efforts can lead to tangible outcomes.

 In connection with this, she cited a recent initiative by the UN Global Compact, World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization in compiling a compendium of over 10 case studies showing successful public-private partnerships in food systems.

 These examples illustrate the potential for scaling investments that yield measurable results, Ojiambo said.

 In this regard, the African private sector plays such a key role in a number of things, including in creating jobs and creating incomes.

“We have a lot of homegrown innovation. We see a lot of agri-tech, FinTech that can help advance food systems, but most importantly, creating jobs and incomes and helping de-risk economies.”

The CEO and Executive Director emphasized that African private sector will play a key role also in supporting the Africa Free Trade Area.

“We need to first be able to grow enough food to feed ourselves, to trade within countries, trade across countries, and even on the continent.”

Supporting local businesses to operate efficiently and across borders is essential to unlocking intra-African trade potential, she said.

Furthermore Ojiambo called for greater investment in climate-resilient agriculture, including seeds, technologies, and infrastructure to protect food systems against future climate-related disruptions.

 She spoke about the Global Africa Business Initiative, also known as Unstoppable Africa, which aims to position Africa as both a key investment destination and a global growth driver.

 The CEO and Executive Director believes that Africa already possesses the critical elements for growth: labor, markets, and renewable energy, but needs sustained investment, stronger political leadership, and effective partnerships that place African stakeholders at the center of decision-making.

 Finally, she congratulated the Government of Ethiopia for successful hosting the UN Food Systems Summit that brought together global leaders, stakeholders from government, civil society, and business with a renewed commitment to transforming food systems worldwide.