From RwandaEye. Story by Olive Ndaka

Africa’s future is likely to be reshaped and its performance outlook overhauled as experts, policy makers and business leaders converge in Kigali, Rwanda, May 11 to May 13 for the 26th World Economic Forum Africa 2016.

The three day forum expected to kick off on Wednesday at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (Camp Kigali) is seen as a platform that is likely to ignite ideas and strategies that would help to leapfrog the continent’s economy.

“A strong contingent of public figures, business leaders, entrepreneurs, youth leaders and activists will participate, contributing ideas and energy towards solutions that will shape Africa’s future,” said Elsie S. Kanza, head of Africa, member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum.

Under the theme “Connecting Africa’s Resources through Digital Transformation,” the forum will focus on digital economy catalysts which are likely to provide radical structural transformation, enhancing public-private engagement on global and regional issues.

“There is widespread agreement that Africa needs to craft new approaches to trigger structural transformation,” said a statement from the forum.

Co-chairs at the World Economic Forum include Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, president of African Development Bank; Dominic Barton, global managing director at McKinsey & Company; and Tony O. Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holding.

Others include Philippe Le Houérou, executive vice- president and CEO of International Finance Corporation; Graça Machel, founder of Graça Machel Trust (GMT); and Tarek Sultan Al Essa, CEO and vice chairman of the board ofAgility, Kuwait.

As the world continues to further get connected, experts believe there is need for the continent’s digital transformation strategy especially when the Internet penetration stands at 26 percent, according to Africa Competitiveness Report 2015.

On agenda is financing gaps for economic and social infrastructure through innovative partnerships and achieving universal access to energy.

Others agenda items include transformation of healthcare and digital transformation of industries.

Read more at RwandaEye.