The Future of Finance and Trade in Africa 3.0

"My time at the George Washington University and at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of the World Bank Group, in Washington, D.C., and Singapore has shaped the way I view development and foster global prosperity in less established markets. The strong academic foundation I received from GW prepared me to make a significant impact at MIGA and, later, with the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). We have opened doors to markets that otherwise wouldn’t have access to investment by de-risking opportunities and making investments available that create economic prospects for emerging markets while addressing ESG priorities.

We at PIDG are excited to be part of the Future of Finance and Trade in Africa 3.0 on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings 2026, and we look forward to identifying new partners with whom we can join efforts to drive prosperity across emerging markets."

Philippe Valahu
Chief Executive Officer, Private Infrastructure Development Group
 

"The future of finance and trade in Africa is intrinsically linked to its technological velocity. We are at a tipping point where digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and borderless payment ecosystems are dismantling traditional barriers, transforming local talent into global economic powerhouses. Returning to George Washington University to explore this frontier is a privilege, as I firmly believe Africa's tech-driven growth will be the defining economic narrative of the next decade."

Dwayne L. Allen 
Senior Executive Partner at Gartner