New York hosted a major summit on the future of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) on September 21st. Political decision-makers, investors, and economic actors gathered to discuss strategic themes: the transformation of PPPs in the 21st century, securing critical minerals, structuring local value chains, and the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

One of the notable speeches was given by former Senegalese president Macky Sall. In a strong plea, he denounced the recurring exclusion of the African continent from major international economic debates. “We cannot talk about 21st-century PPPs without including Africa as a central actor,” he declared, emphasizing that the continent can no longer be sidelined in discussions on strategic investments. Facing challenges related to critical minerals – essential for energy and digital transitions – Macky Sall stressed the need to build models adapted to African realities: insufficient infrastructure, massive energy and financing needs, and the imperative to create millions of jobs for a rapidly growing youth population.

“Africa’s constraints are specific. But its opportunities are immense. It is time for PPPs to take this equation into account,” he insisted. Another focus of his intervention was on emerging technologies. In a world where artificial intelligence is already reshaping the contours of the global economy, Macky Sall warned against the marginalization of the continent. He advocated for active integration of Africa into the digital economy, considering it as an essential condition for a more balanced sharing of wealth and innovation. Echoing the summit’s discussions, his call serves as an exhortation to no longer overlook Africa in the new dynamics of global partnership and investment.