The Pan-African Business Forum (PABF) has taken a major step to enhance its leadership team. During a Special Annual General Board Meeting (SAGM) in Johannesburg, South Africa, members unanimously supported two key appointments proposed by Board Chairman Dr. Ladislas Prosper Agbesi.
Noureddine Ayed now serves as Senior Vice President – Head of Energy. Claude Ibalanky has been appointed Senior Vice President – Head of Corporate Governance, Africa – Millennium Development Goals, Agenda 2063.
The PABF is a private-sector initiative led by Africans. It aims to accelerate the continent’s socio-economic transformation through locally driven programmes and partnerships with international stakeholders.
The Forum works to improve Africa’s business climate. It focuses on lobbying for investor-friendly policies, securing development funding, and ensuring projects deliver both social and economic benefits.
With its pan-African vision, the PABF supports better governance and economic reform. It promotes foreign investment and tourism that uplift local communities. Though the Forum has a continental outlook, it also operates nationally and globally.
To fulfill its mission, the Forum prioritizes two main areas: policy advocacy and the African Investment Fund.
The African Investment Fund will attract capital from African governments, global donors, and the diaspora—including African-Americans. This funding will support critical public services such as electricity, water, roads, transport systems, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The Fund aims to balance profit with social impact. It follows international financial standards and only supports projects that meet democratic governance benchmarks. These include elected governments, independent judiciaries, free press, and a business-friendly environment.
An 11-member Board of Trustees, made up of Africans and international allies, will manage the Fund. All approved projects must show clear economic value and social benefits. Unused funds will be invested in profitable ventures to grow the capital base.
Through strategic leadership and strong financial planning, the Pan-African Business Forum continues to champion Africa’s development and prosperity.
