Today, I am thrilled to launch Unite in Africa, an initiative born out of my deep love for Africa and unwavering belief in the immense potential of the continent and its people. Working together with stakeholders in Africa and around the globe, Unite in Africa identifies, co-develops, and invests in the most promising fintech, media, and AI opportunities across the African continent.
Unite in Africa is more than just a business endeavor; it is a manifestation of my lifelong commitment to the development and empowerment of Africa and its multiple and diverse communities. Over my career I have witnessed incredible talent, creativity, and resilience on the continent. I see Africa’s immense diversity as its foremost strength—diversity enables a broader scope of innovation and ideas. Unifying these interests toward shared goals is a profound effort. It will require a tremendous amount of collaboration and creativity to pursue this unprecedented opportunity.
With a median age of just 20 years, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youth are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and thrive. Africa’s creative potential is also immense, with a rich cultural heritage and a burgeoning creative sector that has widespread global appeal. With projections that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African, growth and development opportunities on the continent are virtually limitless. Now is the time to unlock Africa’s potential through collaboration, empowerment, and investment across three focus areas.
1. Invest in innovative media ventures
In media, we recognize the evolving panorama and potential of African storytelling and believe those narratives need to be shared more broadly and in dynamic new formats. Unite in Africa is forging partnerships with storytellers and others that elevate the continent’s voices in our digital, interconnected era.
2. Unlock Africa’s dynamic fintech ecosystem
Fintech is the pulse of economic empowerment in Africa. Our fintech endeavors are designed to expand financial inclusivity and pave digital highways for the free flow of commerce and innovation. We are already at the forefront of this industry, spotlighting ventures that redefine transactions and those that turn markets into communities that benefit all stakeholders.
3. Leverage AI for economic growth and development
Unite in Africa is committed to cultivating a thriving ecosystem for AI and actively sourcing local expertise, with a goal of advocating for AI that results in inclusive and locally relevant products and services and shared prosperity. AI has been projected to expand Africa’s economy by as much as $1.5 trillion by 2030, and we believe that Africa must be at the helm of its own digital destiny.
Why our emphasis on African unity? There is an economic rationale: with a collective GDP of over $3 trillion and a population size similar to that of China or India, a united Africa has the potential to become a global powerhouse. By fostering greater integration and cooperation among nations, we can create larger, more competitive markets, attract more investment, and ultimately achieve the kind of sustainable growth and development that, with good governance, can benefit all Africans.
But that’s only part of the story. A united Africa has been championed by countless leaders, thinkers, and artists, from the pan-Africanist politics of Patrice Lumumba to the thought-provoking literature of Chinua Achebe, and the soul-stirring music of Miriam Makeba “Mama Africa.” These visionaries, and many others, have inspired my own journey—and this initiative. You can learn more about some of these and other remarkable individuals and their contributions to the dream of a united Africa, through Pioneers of African Unity.
Unite in Africa is not only focused on economic prosperity; it will also share the beauty and brilliance of our continent with the world through engaging narratives. I believe in the profound power of storytelling to uplift Africa. Through an exciting new initiative called Out of Omo, a combination storytelling platform and cultural hub, we aim to celebrate Africa’s rich heritage and feature inspiring stories that embrace African creativity and possibility. Here we will honor the legacy of the great African writers, filmmakers, musicians and other artists who came before us, while making space for a new generation of storytellers who continue to inspire and uplift not just Africans but audiences everywhere. We are currently working on some very exciting initiatives for Out of Omo—stay tuned!
Please join us as we chart a course toward a future that belongs to all of us. Together, let’s unlock the boundless potential of Africa through collaboration, inspiration, innovation, and creativity. I look forward to seeing what we can build together in Africa.
With thanks for your interest,
Monique
