On the backdrop of ongoing UNGA80, prominent African leaders gathered at the
World Trade Center in New York City on Friday, 26th September, for Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC), a high-profile
official side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Hosted by global communications firm Allison
Worldwide, in partnership with The King’s Trust Group, and African public relations company Black House Media
(BHM), the breakfast event brought together executives from across Africa and the U.S. to discuss strategies for Africa-
led innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

The event featured an exclusive fireside chat with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings,
Chairman of Coronation Group, Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, and member of the Kings Trust Africa
Advisory Board. He shared insights into Africa’s investment landscape, spotlighting opportunities to bridge African
entrepreneurs with global capital.
“Unlocking Africa’s youth potential, connecting entrepreneurs to global markets, and ensuring inclusive growth are not
just aspirations — they are imperatives if Africa is to shape the 21st century,” he stated.

Following the fireside, Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide, who moderated the session
with Aig, emphasised the importance of building platforms like ABC to amplify African innovation.
“This is our third annual UNGA event and the second in The Africa Breakfast Conversation series. Our goal with all our
events is to not only create the space for candid conversations but also a space for high-level connections that lead to
action and impact. Our vision is that our events contribute to positioning Africa as a driver of global sustainable
development”. she said.

Reflecting on the collaboration with Allison and BHM for this edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversation (ABC), The
King’s Trust commented: “We are proud to support forums like ABC that put youth, innovation, and opportunity at the
center of Africa’s development agenda. Today was a chance for us to convene, to learn what we are doing right, but
more importantly, to learn where we can do more to invest in Generation Potential.”

The second panel, Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI & Finance, featured Iyin Aboyeji, Founding
Partner, Future Africa; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder & CEO, BHM and Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News
Central TV. The session moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Goldman Sachs, explored how Africa’s
growing tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global industries, from fintech to artificial intelligence and media.
Speaking on the significance of the right investment in Africa, Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM, said:
“This gathering is an opportunity to have the right conversations about our continent – the opportunities and the
challenges. We’re providing guests with a space where conversations can flow freely, turning ideas into impactful
initiatives that foster sustainable growth across Africa.”

Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of cross-sector partnerships, diaspora engagement, and
long-term investment in Africa’s growth. According to recent data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign
direct investment flows to Africa stood at $50 billion in 2024, representing 3.7 percent of global FDI and reflecting
continued confidence in the continent’s potential.
The Africa Breakfast Convos aligned with UNGA 80’s broader focus on global progress and sustainable development.
As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism about Africa’s future and its ability to lead in critical
sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and youth-driven innovation — setting the stage for deeper collaboration
and continued investment in the continent’s sustainable development.

About Allison:

Allison is a global integrated marketing and communications agency, with operations across 50 markets
throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, dedicated to driving growth,
innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise
and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is
owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest growing and most influential marketing and
communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics,insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing
investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide. Learn more at www.allisonworldwide.com.

About BHM:

BHM is a media and communications services company, home to public relations and reputation
management consultancy BlackHouse Media (UK & Nigeria); Pan African communications advisory firm, ID
Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, etc); and marketing technology platform, Plaqad. BHM was named one of
Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and 2024 by the Financial Times.

About The King’s Trust Group

The King’s Trust Group is a global network of support for young people, established by His Majesty King
Charles III, our Royal Founding President. Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our
partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in
the world of work. We do this through programmes focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise. We
are active in over 20 countries. Since 1976, we have supported over 1.3 million young people to change their
lives for the better. “The King’s Trust Group” includes The King’s Trust Group Company and its charitable
subsidiaries – King’s Trust International, King’s Trust USA, King’s Trust Canada, King’s Trust Aotearoa New
Zealand and King’s Trust Australia – plus The King’s Trust in the UK.