NextBillion - A WDI Publication

The GW School of Business, The Growth Dialogue at the GWSB, the Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP) at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs, the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership, the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), GSI Fulbright, Global Impact Industries, NGSER, Graphclic, African Export–Import Bank, African Development Bank, and Africa House present:

The Future of Finance and Trade in Africa 3.0

The George Washington University is hosting its third annual high-level conference during a time of rapid technological innovation and global uncertainty, bringing together central bank governors, state governors, ministers, private sector CEOs, technology leaders, multilateral organizations, members of the African diaspora, and academics.

This third conference will examine critical challenges and opportunities facing Africa, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, food security, creative industries, trade, and infrastructure, as well as their applications in national and regional economies. We anticipate the attendance of policymakers coming to the IMF/World Bank Spring meetings as well as invited keynote speakers.

Key topics will include emerging technologies, workforce enhancement and job creation, sustainable food production, trade prospects and market entry strategies, natural resource management, and renewable energy, with a focus on innovative financial solutions to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

The event will highlight opportunities across the African continent for American companies ready to take advantage of strong trade and investment opportunities for networking and fostering collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders committed to advancing the continent’s progress.

Time: 8:00 am to 11:30 pm ET

ABOUT ENERGY TECH SUMMIT
Get ready for the return of Europe’s top climate tech event, Energy Tech Summit 2026, in the vibrant city of Bilbao!

Recognized as the #1 industry conference in Europe, Energy Tech Summit will once again bring together investors, disruptors, and government leaders for an event you won’t want to miss.

Expect a dynamic new format packed with inspiration, connections, and opportunities to amplify your impact. Be part of the solution, explore new markets, and leave with game-changing business ideas in the fight against climate change.

ABOUT ENERGY TECH SUMMIT
Get ready for the return of Europe’s top climate tech event, Energy Tech Summit 2026, in the vibrant city of Bilbao!

Recognized as the #1 industry conference in Europe, Energy Tech Summit will once again bring together investors, disruptors, and government leaders for an event you won’t want to miss.

Expect a dynamic new format packed with inspiration, connections, and opportunities to amplify your impact. Be part of the solution, explore new markets, and leave with game-changing business ideas in the fight against climate change.

Let’s come together to accelerate innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems

Overview

In the spirit of collective action, we annually convene our growing network to collaborate on social change.
The Forum shines a spotlight on some of the most promising solutions and impactful social innovations and connects leaders who are driving social progress around the world. Attendance is curated by the Skoll Foundation team, with free virtual participation open to everyone.

The 2025 Skoll World Forum took place April 1–4 in Oxford, UK and online. Together, we explored opportunities to unite and drive enduring change.

20+
years of events
Since 2004, we’ve gathered thousands of delegates from more than 100 countries.

100+
speakers annually
Each year, our team curates dozens of speakers who reflect a range of global voices and experiences. Explore past names here.

Explore the Program
In 2025, we learned from 100+ speakers from across the globe alongside inspiring performances by artists and activists. Explore the program through session and plenary recordings.

Review the Delegate Guide
Forum week is energizing, connective, and full of opportunity. If you’re attending the Forum in Oxford, review this toolkit for making the most of your time.

Past Speakers & Performers
The Forum program spans global issues such as economic inclusion, climate action, health, human rights, racial justice, gender equity, and more. Past speakers include Jim Yong Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Muhammad Yunus, Maria Ressa, Mary Robinson, Jacinda Ardern, Jimmy Carter, George and Amal Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Bono, Al Fore, and Stacey Abrams.

Each year, we also highlight the role of artists and storytellers in inspiring and driving social change. We recently celebrated onstage with Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Run DMC, Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Michael Franti, Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Amadou & Mariam, Anna Deavere Smith, and Aloe Blacc.

ABOUT THE EVENT
The ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) is the top annual investment event, fostering partnerships for the purpose of renewable electrification, including energy access, productive use, commercial & industrial uses of power and the green energy transition.

With a track-record since 2016, ARE aims to mobilise 500 people in-person and over 1,000 people virtually for a total of more than 1,500 participants. The Forum will have interpretation in French and English.

EAIF 2026 is organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), and supported by GET.invest, a leading European programme that mobilises investment in clean energy, co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.

With the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, this special EAIF edition will bring together private and public investors, industry leaders from both the energy and related sectors, utilities and government officials, for an exclusive EAIF experience.

The eLearning Africa annual conference and exhibition, which was established in 2005, is the largest and most comprehensive knowledge sharing event for digital education, training and skills on the African continent.

It is a global forum for everyone with an interest in education, training and skills development in Africa. In the past years it has offered thousands of professionals in education, training and development invaluable insights into the evolving world of digital learning.

The eLearning Africa 2026 Call for Papers is now open!

“Africa’s Time, Africa’s Terms: Learning for Sovereignty, Strength and Solidarity”
As global alliances shift and outside powers renew their interest in Africa’s markets, resources, and people, the question is no longer whether Africa will rise – but who will shape that rise, and on what terms. The continent is at a critical juncture, with a rapidly growing youth population and a burgeoning digital economy. The decisions made today will determine whether Africa becomes a true digital sovereign or a passive consumer of external technologies and agendas.

2026 Host Country
The 19th Edition of eLearning Africa will take place from 3 – 5 June, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, co-hosted by the Ministry of Education under the patronage of the Honourable Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu.

Accra, Ghana’s dynamic capital, is not only a thriving centre of culture and enterprise in West Africa, but also a leading force in the continent’s education transformation agenda. As the host of eLearning Africa 2026, Ghana offers a compelling setting: a country committed to expanding access to quality education, investing in foundational learning, and building strong, data-driven partnerships for sustainable impact.

With major reforms such as the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) and an ambitious Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030), Ghana is laying the groundwork for scalable, long-term progress. Its leadership in results-based financing, teacher support, and inclusive stakeholder engagement is matched by a vibrant EdTech startup scene and a new generation of innovators driving change from the ground up. Young Ghanaians are not only adopting technology but are actively creating it, developing homegrown solutions that address educational challenges and enhance learning experiences across the country.

Co-Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Republic of Ghana

Our delegates are high-level policy and decision makers and practitioners from education, business and government – the three key areas driving ICT supported learning and training adoption and innovation.

We attract an average of over 1.300 education and training practitioners, decision makers, policy makers, leaders, experts as well as investors and providers of education and training, with 80% coming from across the African Continent in one convenient place. Participants involved in digital education, training and skills development forge multinational and cross-industry contacts and partnerships, whilst enhancing their knowledge, expertise and skills.

Why attend eLearning Africa?

Established in 2005, eLearning Africa is the largest and most comprehensive knowledge-sharing event for digital education, training, and skills on the African continent. It is the leading platform for government representatives, top decision-makers, policy-makers, experts, and practitioners across all sectors, including public and private education, and corporate learning & development.

eLearning Africa places you at the cutting edge of learning technologies and edtech developments, offering invaluable opportunities for participants, partners, and exhibitors:

• Expert Insights: : Gain deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges transforming the learning landscape. Learn how to effectively select and use various technologies.
• Best Practices: Discover proven approaches and strategies from leading institutions and organisations. Engage in 70+ break-out sessions with 240+ expert speakers from 40+ countries.
• Pre-Conference Activities: Participate in engaging pre-conference activities to enhance your learning experience.
• Case Studies: Follow real-world case studies that present critical success factors, and discuss innovative approaches with peers.
• Networking: Connect with over 1,300 learning professionals from education, workplace learning, and government sectors. Forge essential international contacts and partnerships.
• Practical Implementation: Receive practical advice to implement new solutions in your own work and learning environment and develop a framework for action tailored to your organisation’s and learners’ needs.
• Exhibition: Explore the central exhibition where leading international digital learning providers offer hands-on demonstrations of innovative products, solutions and tools.
• Latest Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by analysing the latest trends in digital learning and training.
• Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Build a multinational and cross-industry network with top-tier professionals.
• Catalyst for Knowledge and Skills: Participate in sessions designed to empower you with the latest knowledge and skills, keeping you at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of eLearning.
• Community of Practice: Join a thriving network of influential figures in African digital education, training, and skills development. This community extends far beyond the event, continuously shaping the future of learning.

The Donor Committee for Enterprise Development

Learning from Experience

The DCED is a forum for learning about the most effective ways to create inclusive and resilient economic opportunities – aligned with the SDGs and grounded in practical experience in Private Sector Development (PSD).

This website is the leading knowledge hub on all aspects of PSD.