Building Africa's Next Economy

Africa Stands at a Defining Moment.

Across the African continent, millions of entrepreneurs wake before sunrise each day. They plant crops that feed nations. They manufacture products that sustain local economies. They transport goods across cities and borders. They repair vehicles, build homes, create technology, educate children, provide healthcare, produce art, and deliver countless essential services.

Together, they represent one of the largest economic forces on the continent. Yet despite their resilience, innovation and contribution to national economies, most remain disconnected from formal markets, investment, opportunities, procurement systems, financial services and strategic partnerships.

This proposal outlines how the Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF), in association with Vision 2030 and the MET Programme, and through the Market Economy Treatment (MET) Framework, creates the connections that build Africa's next economy.

The Convergence of Objectives

Africa's Greatest Untapped Opportunity

Every generation experiences a defining economic shift. The Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing. The Digital Revolution transformed communication. Artificial Intelligence is transforming productivity. Africa now stands before another transformation — not one driven by technology alone, nor by governments alone, but one driven by the successful integration of the formal and informal economies.

For decades, Africa's informal economy has operated as the foundation beneath national economies. It has employed millions. It has sustained families through economic downturns. It has demonstrated extraordinary resilience despite limited access to finance, procurement opportunities, technology, structured business development and formal market systems.

This is the challenge that MET was created to solve.

The Bridge That Connects Africa

"Every thriving economy is built on systems that connect people to opportunities."

Throughout history, the world's greatest economies have not been built by individual businesses alone. They have been built by systems. Roads connect cities. Ports connect nations. Railways connect industries. Data connects capital. The internet connects information. Stock exchanges connect investors. Universities connect knowledge.

For decades, information, opportunities, development, services and entrepreneurs have pursued similar objectives, often independently. When systems operate independently, opportunities are fragmented. When systems connect, economies accelerate.

Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Africa's Economic Transformation

"Great sectors are not built one project at a time. They are built through a thirteen-year national commitment (one generation)."

Vision 2030 is a continental commitment to building an Africa where opportunity is determined by access, collaboration and leadership. It recognises a simple truth: Poverty is rarely caused by a lack of potential, it is more often sustained by a lack of access to opportunity, markets, leadership and systems.

Thirteen Commitments to Africa

• 110,000 Transformational Leaders — Growing ethical, solution-driven leaders to transform sectors and communities.
• 21,000,000 Informal Businesses — Formalising and scaling informal businesses through automation and access ecosystems.
• 31,000,000 Women Entrepreneurs — Empowering women-led enterprises in agriculture, education, retail, and creative industries.
• 41,000,000 Young People — Equipping young Africans through education, skills, mentorship, innovation and pathways.
• 51ETF Marketplace & App — Building a continental digital ecosystem where Africans buy, sell and collaborate locally.
• 6One Education Hub 1,000,000 People — Providing practical, accessible learning opportunities to build employable skills.
• 71,000,000 Sustainable Farmers — Supporting eco-efficient farmers in regenerative agriculture value chains and food security.
• 8Advancing the Creative Economy — Equipping creators, producers, innovators, and storytellers to compete globally.
• 91,000,000 Health & Wellness Entrepreneurs — Supporting community health eco-enterprises and wellness-driven solutions.
• 10Positioning African Arts & Culture — Elevating arts, culture, gospel, heritage, creative industries, tourism, gastronomy, and media exports.
• 11Empowering 300,000 Civil Society Organisations — Strengthening and resourcing local development organisations (CDOs).
• 12Supporting 3,000 Traditional Leaders — Promoting values, historical leaders and royal authorities for inclusive nation-building.
• 13Inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities — Creating accessible environments and opportunities across all initiatives.