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African business leaders, investors and innovators gathered in Paris for the 6th Business Africa Forum with a clear message: Africa is no longer waiting to be included in the global economy, it is building its own systems. The discussions focused on trade, technology and investment models that better fit local realities.
One of the strongest themes was financial sovereignty. Entrepreneurs said African firms have long faced barriers on global payment platforms, pushing them to develop homegrown fintech solutions that can move money more freely across the continent.
DigiPay was one of the startups showcased as part of that shift. Its founder said the company was created to address the exclusion African businesses often face from international financial systems, while also giving them more control over their revenues.
The forum also highlighted a more practical use of artificial intelligence. Rather than treating AI as a hype cycle, speakers said African companies are using it to cut costs, improve efficiency and help small and medium-sized businesses survive and expand.
A speaker on AI described how automation can deliver real productivity gains for firms that once handled tasks manually over several days. The example underscored the idea that AI is becoming a business survival tool, not just a luxury for large corporations.
Investment opportunities in real estate were also discussed, especially in West African markets such as Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. But speakers said success in those markets often depends on relationships, trust and local networks, what they called the “Handshake Economy.”
