Post by Standard Bank Group

Africa’s next phase of growth will be built through partnership. At Africa Unlocked 2026, the fireside chat ‘African Growth. First Hand.’ brought together leaders from Standard Bank, the Africa Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank Group and the Industrial Development Corporation to explore how Africa can mobilise capital to accelerate structural transformation. The discussion highlighted a clear shift from exporting raw materials to building industries that add value, create jobs and strengthen regional economies. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration between governments, development finance institutions, commercial banks and investors to unlock Africa’s full potential. As David Hodnett, Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa, said: “Africa’s risk is often misunderstood and, because it’s misunderstood, it’s mispriced. Our role is to help investors understand what the real risks are. Once they do, you start to see pricing change and investors lean in.” It's a wrap from us from a powerful 2 days. We leave firmly believing that Africa’s growth story is already being written. The opportunity is now. #AfricaUnlocked2026 #GrowingAfrica Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ep_8MQZ4