Public service to humanity takes many forms—but few are as globally consequential as the leadership driving Africa’s economic, social, and geopolitical transformation. The Global Africa Partnerships Forum (GAPF) Awards Ceremony 2025, held alongside the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Cape Town, will spotlight the visionaries, reformers, and advocates who are redefining Africa’s role on the world stage.
Africa today is a continent of paradox—rich in resources, creativity, and potential, yet constrained by debt burdens, climate vulnerabilities, and historical inequities rooted in centuries of exploitation. Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa bears some of the harshest consequences of climate instability, with losses measured in hundreds of billions annually. At the same time, its people, institutions, and innovators are crafting solutions that link climate justice to development, reparations to renewal, and digital transformation to sovereignty.
The historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 signals a turning point—an unprecedented platform for the continent to move from the margins of global decision-making to the center. The GAPF 2025 Awards will celebrate those leaders—heads of state, policymakers, investors, innovators, and community advocates—whose bold commitments and transformative actions are positioning Africa not just as a participant, but as a shaper of global priorities.
Anchored under the IFACL 2025 broader theme, “Bridging Continents, Building Futures: Leadership for a Connected World,” the Awards underscore four urgent imperatives: debt cancellation and climate justice, reparations and historical redress, amplifying G20 impact in Africa, and securing technological sovereignty. Together, they reflect a vision of Africa as a driver of inclusive prosperity and global problem-solving.
As Africa mobilizes for this new era, the GAPF 2025 Awards will shine a light on those whose leadership transcends borders and generations—leaders who transform challenges into opportunities, advance justice and equity, and embody the spirit of a continent that is not waiting for change, but actively shaping the future of the world.
