Flutterwave, Dangote Group, others named in Milken Institute’s Africa Leaders Business Council

The Milken Institute has announced the establishment of its Africa Leaders Business Council, appointing top Nigerian companies including tech gaint Flutterwave and the Dangote Group.

An independent economic think tank based in Santa Monica, California, United States, the Milken Institute gathers the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of the most critical global issues.

The new council – comprising influential thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from business, technology, finance, sustainability, innovation – aims to deepen the Institute’s network and engagement across Africa.

The council will leverage the expertise of its members to provide insights into Africa’s dynamic business landscape, supporting the Milken Institute’s stakeholders in their efforts to expand their presence and impact in the region.

The inaugural members are Africa Investment Forum, BES, CrossBoundary Group, Dangote Group, Flutterwave, Lateral Frontiers VC, Lions Head Global Partners, Prosper Africa, Proxima Legal, RisCura, Sabi, Symbion Power, Tofino Capital, Ubuntu Group, Unified State Group, Women’s World Banking, and YAATRA Ventures.

Flutterwave plays a pivotal role in enabling global multinationals such as Uber, to expand seamlessly into African markets. The leading payments technology company on the continent facilitates remittances from the African diaspora worldwide, supporting family, business, and other needs.

The Dangote Group, owned by business magnate Aliko Dangote, is the largest manufacturing conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the continent with interest in oil and gas, cement, sugar, salt, etc.

Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Africa Leaders Business Council member and Flutterwave Founder/CEO, said: “We are excited to collaborate with the Institute to foster innovation and inclusive development in Africa.

“Flutterwave’s role in facilitating seamless market entry for global enterprises into Africa, alongside empowering local businesses, perfectly complements the Milken Institute’s focus on leveraging technology and expertise to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent,” Agboola added.

“Amidst the rapidly intensifying geopolitical landscape, and given its tremendous demographic potential, Africa is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global economy,” according to Laura Deal Lacey, Milken Institute’s Executive VP for International Program.

“The establishment of the Africa Leaders Business Council underscores the Milken Institute’s efforts to bolster its commitment to the continent and complements the Institute’s plan to solidify its presence across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

“We recognize the excellence in Africa’s innovation and ingenuity. We believe the Council will play a key role in helping our stakeholders to navigate the continent and provide a fresh perspective in tackling issues shaping the global agenda across climate change, health, capital access, and energy transition,” Laura said.

Upcoming events include a private investor dialogue on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, a Nigeria policy roundtable on debt sustainability pathways, engagements at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in December, curated webinars, and bespoke in-person and virtual discussions.