Africa CEO Forum Addresses Economic Sovereignty through LEAD Leadership Program

• The Africa CEO Forum is launching its second cohort of the LEAD program, gathering 50 senior African public officials in Rabat from August 28–30, 2026.
• LEAD aims to modernize African state governance and accelerate digital transformation through a pan-African community of decision-makers.
• The first cohort demonstrated significant impact, with 16.7% (6 of 36 fellows) achieving promotions to ministerial, state leadership, or chief-executive positions within one year.
• A new white paper developed with BCG urges a shift from technology consumption to value creation by prioritizing shared, interoperable digital infrastructure.

LEAD Program Overview

• The program focuses on three core pillars: modernizing state institutions, improving public services, and strengthening cooperation between governments and the private sector.
• The upcoming session at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) features collaborative working sessions and mentorship from global and regional leaders, including:
  • Mehdi Jomaa (former Head of Government of Tunisia)
  • Donald Kaberuka (former President of the African Development Bank)
  • Serge Ekue (President of the West African Development Bank)
  • Sanjay Jain (co-creator of India Stack)
  • Mauricio Cardenas (former Finance Minister of Colombia)

Digital Strategy and Sovereignty

• The digital economy in Africa currently accounts for approximately 5% of regional GDP, significantly trailing the 15% global average.
• The program's white paper outlines three key priorities to foster digital sovereignty:
  • Building shared digital infrastructure to underpin public services and private innovation.
  • Pooling continental investments to achieve critical mass and reduce fragmented efforts.
  • Developing open, interoperable architectures that prioritize citizen trust, security, and governance by design.