African Business Leaders Demand ‘Self-Determination’ at Paris Forum

African entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of global business. At the Business Africa Forum in Paris, one message dominated every discussion: self-determination. Leaders from across the continent pushed for smarter growth, moving beyond traditional aid models. They highlighted three key tools: fintech innovation, practical use of artificial intelligence (AI), and investment strategies driven by local networks. Delegates argued that African businesses must define their own terms in the global economy. The forum showcased a shift from waiting for outside help to actively shaping new trade and investment rules.