AFRICA SOFT POWER @ UNGA80

As the global community gathers for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Africa finds itself at a critical inflection point. The continent is drawing renewed attention from global stakeholders, not only for its demographic promise and digital acceleration, but for the distinct and valuable perspectives it offers in solving complex global challenges.

To help shape this momentum, Africa Soft Power (ASP) will host a high-level convening to champion the inclusion of modern African perspectives in critical global dialogues. Building on the success of previous high-level convenings during the UN General Assembly, this year’s event, “Finding X: The Intersection of Creativity, Finance, and Technology in Africa’s Next Growth Chapter,” will convene stakeholders from across public and private sectors, to explore the exponential potential that lies at the convergence of Africa’s vibrant creative economy, its burgeoning tech sector, and innovative financial instruments.

Event Details:
Theme: Finding X: The Intersection of Creativity, Finance, and Technology in Africa’s Next Growth Chapter
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Location: The Citigroup Center, 601 Lexington Avenue, New York
Time: 4pm prompt
Format: High-level panel discussions ​

Register to attend

Key Focus Areas:

Africa’s creative and tech sectors represent a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, yet they remain undercapitalized and underrecognized. “Finding X” reframes these industries not as niche interests, but as key levers and strategic growth engines for the continent. The session invites global and regional leaders to rethink how policy, innovation, and capital can work together to drive scalable solutions that deliver both financial returns and long-term impact.

Creative capital as development infrastructure:

Exploring how the creative economy can serve as a powerful engine of job creation, export revenue, and national identity – with financing structures and innovative funding methodologies that reflect the creative economy’s real value.

Remittances as investment pathways:

Unpacking the role of diaspora finance in supporting local innovation, supporting connections and communities across borders, etc; particularly through digital platforms and interoperable financial systems.

Building innovation-friendly data infrastructure:

Addressing persistent data gaps that limit innovation, decision-making, policy design. Explore how locally relevant, interoperable data systems can fuel Africa’s emerging innovation ecosystems, including AI and fintech.

Sport as creative capital and global leverage:

Recognizing sport as a powerful force at the intersection of creativity, finance, and community. From infrastructure and athlete development to tech, media, and diaspora engagement, explore how sport offers new frontiers for economic growth and narrative influence.

Blended finance and institutional support:

Making the case for greater public-private collaboration to de-risk and accelerate investments in creative and tech-driven enterprises

SPEAKERS

[Coming soon]

Since 2019, our UNGA convenings have brought together influential leaders from across Africa, the diaspora, and the wider global community, ensuring that diverse perspectives are meaningfully represented in critical global dialogues.

Previous speakers have included: H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, Fmr. President of Ghana; Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat; Olubukola Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria (Energy); Roman Oben, Vice President of Football Development, National Football League; Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria; Chinelo Anohu, Head & Senior Director, Africa Investment Forum, etc.

FAQs:​

Join us at The Citigroup Center, located at 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022. We will be hosting the event on the 14th floor.

All intending guests must be registered. Registered guests will get an email containing a barcode for building entry, along with clear directions to the venue. Remember to bring an official photo ID card, as the QR code is exclusively valid for the recipient. Access to the building will be denied to anyone without their individual email.

For a smooth entry process, please use the Lexington Avenue entrance (marked with ‘601’) as the entrance scanning feature is not available at the East 53rd Street entrance. When scanning the code, use your phone’s highest brightness level.

We recommend heading over early if you intend to use a taxi or a ride-sharing service, particularly due to the expected heavy UNGA traffic congestion during this period.

The venue is also conveniently located near the train station, making it easily accessible. You can reach the venue by taking the E train at Lexington & 53rd Street or the 6th train at 51st & Lexington.