Watch Live on Sept. 24 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Hosted on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, The Next 3 Billion is the premiere U.S. convening dedicated to connecting the unconnected.
Millions of people lack access to the internet, educational opportunities and basic healthcare. Millions do not have bank accounts, access to electricity or any form of identification. Collectively, they represent one of the most untapped social and economic opportunities of our time.
Unlocking this potential requires a new model for cooperation between global leaders in diverging domains across government, technology, finance, health, education, cybersecurity, and energy.
The Agenda
Morning Session | Beginning @ 9:00 a.m. ET
Opening Remarks
Featuring: Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Semafor
Fireside Chat: Bringing Business To Africa
How to attract and retain business amid challenging economic conditions.
Featuring: Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Group
In conversation with: Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Semafor
Fireside Chat: The Transformative Power of Connectivity
Why connectivity and digital infrastructure are critical accelerants the Sustainable Development Goals.
Featuring: Mark Suzman, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
In conversation with: Nayeema Raza, Co-Host, Mixed Signal, Semafor Contributor
Panel: The Financial Inclusion Revolution
Unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and individuals in emerging markets with tailored financial solutions.
Featuring: Michael Schlein, CEO, Accion Group; Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson (DCP) for the African Union (AU) Commission; Claudia Belli, Global Head of Social Business and Microfinance, BNP Paribas
In conversation with: Nayeema Raza, Co-Host, Mixed Signal, Semafor Contributor
Panel: Financing for Sustainable Infrastructure
Investing in climate change mitigation and adaptation to drive economic growth in Southeast Asia.
Featuring: Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO, Development Finance Corporation; Sadek Wahba, Chairman and Managing Partner, I Squared Capital
In conversation with: Tim McDonnell, Climate and Energy Editor, Semafor
Partner Session: The View from Shell Foundation
Featuring: Jonathan Berman, CEO, Shell Foundation
In conversation with: Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Semafor
Panel: Mobilizing Finance to Bridge Africa’s Infrastructure Gap
Strategic collaborations unlocking Africa’s potential.
Featuring: Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Samaila Zubairu, CEO, African Finance Corporation
In conversation with: Amna Nawaz, Co-Host, PBS News Hour, Semafor Contributor
Fireside: The Path to a Connected and Prosperous Africa
Enhancing access to digital infrastructure in underserved areas.
Featuring: Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group
In conversation with: Yinka Adegoke, Africa Editor, Semafor
Partner Session: The View from PDAA
Featuring: Fred Swaniker, Co-Vice Chairman, PDAA; Jordan Blashek
Co-Founder, Managing Director, and President of the AFF Foundation
In conversation with: Guillaume Doane, EMEA Market Lead, Semafor
Panel: Closing the Usage Gap
Exploring the barriers to connectivity and ways to drive economic growth through digital equity.
Featuring: Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Togo; John Giusti, President, GSMA Foundation, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA; Mcebisi Jonas, Chairman, MTN;
In conversation with: Amna Nawaz, Co-Host, PBS News Hour, Semafor Contributor
Fireside Chat: Avoiding a Global AI Drivide: A Future of Risks and Opportunities What will it take for developing markets to capitalize on the opportunity presented by AI?
Featuring: James Manyika, SVP, Research, Technology and Society, Google
In conversation with: Reed Albergotti, Technology Editor, Semafor
Afternoon Session | Beginning @ 1:00 p.m. ET
Welcome Remarks
Featuring: Justin B. Smith, co-Founder and CEO, Semafor
Fireside Chat: Global Commerce in the Digital Era
Examining evolving global economic landscapes and trade’s pivotal role in fostering digital equity.
Featuring: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization
In conversation with: Alexis Akwagyiram, Managing Editor, Semafor Africa
Fireside Chat: Africa’s Cultural Exports
The continent’s growing global influence across sports, music and entertainment.
Featuring: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
In conversation with: Max Tani, Media Editor, Semafor
Fireside Chat: Why Now Is The Time for Africa to Electrify
How lessons learned and new technological advancements are revolutionizing rural electrification in Africa.
Featuring: Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
In conversation with: Tim McDonnell, Climate & Energy Editor, Semafor
Partner Session: The View from Salesforce
Featuring: Sabastian Niles, President and Chief Legal Officer, Salesforce
In conversation with: Justin B. Smith, co-Founder and CEO, Semafor
Panel: Strategies for Growth and Investment in Emerging Markets
The recipe for unlocking business potential in Africa.
Featuring: Nick Hughes, Co-Founder and Managing Director, 4RDigital; Ervin Tu, Group Chief of Investments, Strategy, and M&A, Prosus and Naspers
In conversation with: Marcus Brauchli, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, North Base Media, Semafor Contributor
Fireside Chat: Bridging the Digital Divide in the AI Age
What is the ideal combination of infrastructure, regulations, and innovation that could help close the digital gap?
Featuring: Brad Smith, President and Vice Chair, Microsoft
In conversation with: Gina Chon, Senior Editor, Semafor
Panel: Connecting The Next Billion Customers
The strategic partnerships and fintech innovations reshaping Africa’s role in the global digital marketplace.
Featuring: Olugbenga Agboola, CEO, Flutterwave; Briana Wilsey, VP & GM, Network Partnerships EMEA, American Express
In conversation with: Marcus Brauchli, co-Founder and Managing Partner, North Base Media, Semafor Contributor
Partner Session: The View from Cisco
Featuring: Francine Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco
In conversation with: Reed Albergotti, Technology Editor, Semafor
Panel: Accelerating the Digital Transformation
The targeted ventures improving lives and unlocking opportunity in emerging markets.
Featuring: Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO, Axian Group; Diana Layfield, Chair, British International Investment
In conversation with: Alexis Akwagyiram, Managing Editor, Semafor Africa
Panel: Preparing for an AI-Powered Future
The urgent need to embrace and prioritize artificial intelligence to drive economic development.
Featuring: Evi Fuelle, Director, Global Policy, Credo AI; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria
In conversation with: Reed Albergotti, Technology Editor, Semafor
Partner Session: The View From The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Featuring: Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director, Country Programmes Delivery, Gavi
In conversation with: Paulin Basinga, Director, Africa, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Fireside Chat: Propelling Malawi Forward
Exploring connectivity’s role in advancing national economic goals.
Featuring: President Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi
In conversation with: Yinka Adegoke, Africa Editor, Semafor
Fireside Chat: How Africa’s Largest Bank is Embracing the Digital Transformation
Revolutionizing South Africa’s banking landscape.
Featuring: Sim Tshabalala, CEO, Standard Bank Group
In conversation with: Alexis Akwagyiram, Managing Editor, Semafor Africa
Closing Remarks
Featuring: Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Semafor