The 2019 Africa CEO Forum has come to a close in the Rwandese capital, Kigali.

The Forum attracted thousands of delegates from across the continent and beyond, including Heads of State, CEO’s, top executives, experts and investors.

Huge focus was placed on the continent’s planned integration that is championed by the African Union.

The Continental Free Trade Area is expected to allow free access to commodities, goods, and services across the continent.

Coincidentally, the AfCFTA was signed on by 44 of the continent’s 55 member states in Kigali, on March 21, 2018.

The proposal will come into force after ratification by 22 of the signatory states. So far, only 21 have ratified it.

Another area that received much attention at the 2019 ACF was women empowerment in Africa.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame particularly warned that Africa would not achieve its full potential if its women continued to be sidelined.

“So long as women face unnecessary obstacles in using their talents to the full, we are all going to continue paying a heavy price in terms of lost wealth,” he said.

Various discussions were also held to charter paths towards increased intra-continental trade, foreign investments and youth involvement in the continent’s development agenda.