Africa’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness depend on scaling local innovation and investing in critical infrastructure, executives said at the 2025 Africa Soft Power Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, creatives, and technologists, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the continent’s growth engine and how to align the flow of money, innovation, and global opportunities.
The summit highlighted the importance of African-led solutions to challenges in digital finance, artificial intelligence, remittances, and the creative economy. Speakers called for stronger collaboration across sectors and borders to drive inclusive and sustainable development. According to Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, “We can no longer afford to look outside for answers to problems that are uniquely ours. Innovation must be homegrown, and the infrastructure to support it must be reliable, accessible, and inclusive.”
The Need for Homegrown Innovation
The need for homegrown innovation was a recurring theme at the summit. Dr. Balonwu emphasized that Africa’s growth depends on its ability to develop and implement its own solutions to its unique challenges. This requires investing in reliable infrastructure, including digital payment systems, data storage, and other critical infrastructure that supports innovation.
Institutionalizing Gender Equity
The summit also highlighted the importance of institutionalizing gender equity in Africa’s development agenda. Member of Parliament in Kenya, Naisula Lesuuda, warned against “inclusion fatigue” and performative representation, urging organizations to embed equity within leadership structures. Executive Director at United Bank for Africa Kenya, Mary Mulili, echoed the call, urging systemic change in how leadership opportunities are offered to women.
Digital Finance and Artificial Intelligence
The summit discussed the importance of digital finance and artificial intelligence in driving Africa’s growth. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Philip Ikeazor, said regulators across the continent were updating frameworks to support digital finance in ways that promote access and stability. “Infrastructure is what connects capital to innovation,” he said, stressing the need for reliable power and robust digital payment systems.
The summit also explored the potential of artificial intelligence in driving Africa’s growth. President of the Senegalese Association for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, said Africa must define AI “in its own terms” and control over data and infrastructure was essential. Representative of Google Research Africa, Lorna Omondi, urged African developers to play an active role in AI ecosystems.
Creative Economy
The Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, a key part of the summit, showcased Africa’s growing influence in sectors such as digital finance, AI, film, and wellness. Founding Partner at Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, said African film projects must be “authentic, contextual, and bankable” to attract serious investment. He called for improved data, distribution channels, and de-risking mechanisms to support the growth of the creative industry.
Remittances and Diaspora Contributions
The summit also explored the economic potential of remittances and diaspora contributions. Participants advocated for transforming diaspora contributions from individual transfers into structured investments, which would require policy alignment, interoperability across financial systems, and greater transparency.
Conclusion
The 2025 Africa Soft Power Summit emphasized the importance of homegrown innovation, infrastructure, and collaboration in driving Africa’s growth. The summit provided a platform for African leaders to articulate a unified vision, embrace innovation that reflects the continent’s realities, and take ownership of Africa’s narrative on global platforms. As the organisers said, “Africa’s soft power lies in its people, its ideas, and its ability to innovate from within.” With the right investments in infrastructure and innovation, Africa can unlock its full potential and drive sustainable growth and development.
