Joy Agwunobi
The newly formed Africa Leaders Business Council, established by the Milken Institute, has welcomed payments fintech powerhouse Flutterwave, as well as the Dangote Group, into its fold.
This recognition comes on the heels of the council’s recent launch, which seeks to deepen the Institute’s engagement and partnerships across Africa.
The council, according to the Milken Institute, is a platform that brings together a wide range of visionaries, industry experts, investors, and thought leaders in various sectors including business, technology, finance, sustainability, and innovation.
The Milken Institute, known for its non-profit, nonpartisan approach, is focused on driving measurable progress towards meaningful lives. It has been actively involved in Africa through several initiatives. These include the Global Financial Scholars Programme, which aims to nurture future leaders in financial policy and public asset management, and the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Programme, which invites global innovators to develop technological solutions supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to Flutterwave and the Dangote Group, the council’s inaugural members include the Africa Investment Forum, BES, CrossBoundary Group, Lateral Frontiers VC, Lions Head Global Partners, Prosper Africa, Proxima Legal, RisCura, Sabi, Symbion Power, Tofino Capital, Ubuntu Group, Unified State Group, Women’s World Banking, and YAATRA Ventures.
Following their inclusion, Flutterwave and the Dangote Group, alongside other council members, are set to play critical roles in advancing the Institute’s initiatives. They will leverage their extensive reach and influence to foster sustainable economic growth and drive innovation within Africa and beyond.
The Milken Institute emphasised that the creation of the Africa Leaders Business Council underscores its commitment to Africa and aligns with its strategic expansion across multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Commenting on the development, Olugbenga Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, highlighted the company’s role in facilitating seamless market entry for global enterprises into Africa and empowering local businesses. He noted that Flutterwave’s mission complements the Milken Institute’s goal of leveraging technology and expertise to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent. Agboola further expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Institute to promote innovation and inclusive development in Africa.
Laura Deal Lacey, executive vice president leading the international programme at the Milken Institute, remarked on Africa’s demographic potential and its increasing importance in the global economy amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Lacey pointed out that Africa’s innovation and ingenuity are unmatched, positioning the continent to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, health, and energy transition. She also disclosed that the council will offer vital guidance on navigating regional challenges and contributing to global solutions.
