CNN Global Perspectives: On Africa
From Screen to Stage: No Single Difference! Africa Claims Its Voice at CNN’s Global Perspectives Summit
The inaugural CNN Global Perspectives: On Africa summit held in London marked a defining moment in how the continent is framed, understood, and positioned on the global stage. Among the attendees was FabAfriq Media Group CEO, Adeline Sede, who described the gathering as an essential step toward elevating African voices in global discourse.
The event brought together leading figures from politics, economics, culture, and business, with CNN correspondents and anchors, including Richard Quest, Zain Asher, Larry Madowo, Eleni Giokos, Christiane Amanpour, Jim Sciutto, and Sir Mark Thompson, steering conversations that were both uncompromising and deeply rooted in African realities.
For decades, Africa’s narrative in global media has often been told from the outside, shaped by distance rather than lived experience. Yet Africa stands today as the world’s fastest-growing region, home to the youngest population, holding 30% of global rare earth minerals and 67% of the world’s arable land. The summit’s purpose was clear: shift the lens from external interpretation to African agency, aligning the continent’s immense resources with systems, governance, and innovation.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala underscored this urgency. While acknowledging Africa’s natural and human wealth, she stressed that without deliberate value creation and strong governance, potential remains unrealized. She also urged thoughtful engagement around political tensions — such as those unfolding in Nigeria — where instability directly undermines economic progress.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforced the importance of regional cooperation and peace. Her call for Rwanda to accept a ceasefire highlighted how diplomacy and conflict resolution remain foundational to sustainable development across the continent.
Culture and storytelling also took center stage. In a thoughtful exchange with CNN’s Zain Asher, celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasized the need for African narratives to occupy central space in global conversations.
“Our storytelling needs to be more culturally confident. We have to assume that we are at the center,” she said, a message that resonated far beyond literature, touching media, policy, and business.
The private sector’s role was notably championed by Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, who highlighted the continent’s path from extraction to creation and from dependency to dignity. Advocating his philosophy of Africapitalism, Elumelu argued that profit and purpose are not opposing forces but essential partners in Africa’s renaissance.
In a candid off-stage exchange, CNN’s Richard Quest offered an unforgettable provocation that captured the spirit of the entire summit:
“I’m tired of hearing how rich Africa is. Just do it.”
A blunt reminder that potential alone is not progress, action is.
Key Themes Emerging from the Summit
Investing in the Human Grid
Infrastructure matters, but the continent’s most transformative resource is its youth. With the right skills, confidence, and support, Africa’s young population stands ready to lead in technology, governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Purpose and Profit Must Coexist
Speakers reinforced that inclusive, sustainable development requires private enterprise that prioritizes value creation, local production, and shared prosperity.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Across media, policy, and industry, African voices must take ownership of Africa’s story. How the continent is portrayed directly influences investment, perception, and opportunity.
Bold Action and Collaboration
The future belongs to those willing to build. Leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs must embrace partnerships that strengthen capacity, scale impact, and drive long-term change.
A Call to Collective Leadership
The summit signaled a watershed moment: Africa is not emerging, it is already shaping the global future. But the summit also made clear that ideas must now translate into action. Leadership must produce ecosystems, mentorship networks, investment pipelines, and narrative frameworks that empower the continent’s people.
The presence of influential figures such as Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tony O. Elumelu, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Masai Ujiri, Ozwald Boateng, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and many others reflected a continent at the intersection of ambition and readiness.
Africa is no longer waiting to be invited into the global conversation.
It is leading it, with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
What was covered as copied from CNN Website...
• Top entrepreneurs, creatives and thought leaders from the worlds of politics, economics and fashion gathered in London on November 3 for CNN International’s first Global Perspectives live event, focused on Africa.
• The summit featured in-depth conversations and live interviews exploring innovation and sustainable growth, led by CNN journalists.
• We heard from WTO director general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who called for “careful thinking” on tensions in Nigeria, after US President Donald Trump suggested the US may take military action there to protect the nation’s Christians.
• The prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, also called on Rwanda to “accept a ceasefire” between the two countries.
• And to round off the day, award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke on the importance of centering African perspectives in her storytelling.