A Shared Future – Why CEE and African Countries Must Work Together

Davos, a picturesque Swiss village, transforms every year into the epicentre of global decision-making during the World Economic Forum.

Despite this opportunity, collaboration between CEE and Africa has yet to reach its full potential. Structural barriers, limited networks, and outdated perceptions have hindered meaningful engagement. For Africa, systemic challenges such as underdeveloped trade linkages with CEE and difficulty accessing European capital markets have stifled growth opportunities. On the other hand, CEE countries have often overlooked Africa’s potential, focusing instead on traditional markets or regional priorities.

This missed opportunity is especially glaring when considering the complementary strengths of the two regions. CEE has undergone a remarkable economic transformation in recent decades. Poland, for instance, transitioned from economic hardship to a regional leader in innovation, with its GDP per capita rising from USD 6,200 in 1990 to USD 48,000 in 2023. This transformation is a testament to the region’s resilience and ingenuity – qualities that align perfectly with Africa’s dynamic growth trajectory.

According to a McKinsey report from 2023, Africa’s economies are projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5 percent over the next decade, outpacing many other regions. By 2030, Africa is expected to be home to 1.7 billion people, with a combined consumer and business spending potential of USD 6.7 trillion. These figures underscore Africa’s vast market potential and the need for global partnerships to unlock it.

Africa’s tech ecosystem, in particular, is booming. In 2022 alone, 633 African startups secured USD 3.3 billion in investment – a 1,700 percent increase since 2015. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are becoming key hubs for digital talent, producing thousands of developers each year. Meanwhile, Croatian tech companies like Infobip are already leveraging this talent, recognising Africa’s potential to address Europe’s growing demand for software developers. This trend illustrates the untapped opportunities for deeper collaboration between CEE and Africa.

The synergy between these regions lies in their complementary strengths. CEE offers expertise in economic transformation, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. Africa brings a youthful workforce, a rapidly growing market and pioneering solutions in agritech and fintech. Together, these regions can address critical issues like climate change, food security and digital inclusion. Imagine Africa’s agritech innovations with CEE’s renewable energy advancements to create sustainable agricultural systems that feed millions while reducing carbon emissions.

Davos provides the perfect stage to amplify this partnership. It is a space where leaders can move beyond outdated narratives and reimagine relationships built on mutual respect and shared ambition. Historically, Africa–Europe ties have been framed in terms of aid and dependency. Today, the dynamic is shifting. CEE’s experience of transitioning from aid recipient to global competitor offers valuable lessons for Africa. At the same time, Africa’s leadership in digital finance and agritech can inspire CEE to adopt more inclusive, technology-driven models of growth.

At Eastrise Group, we are committed to making this collaboration a reality. Through our institute, business development initiatives and venture capital arm, we aim to bridge the gap between CEE and Africa, fostering partnerships that are equitable, forward-looking and built to last. As partners of the Polish Business Hub at Davos, we are creating opportunities for CEE and African leaders to come together and innovate. The Hub is not just a meeting place; it is a launchpad for ideas and projects that will drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

The future of CEE and Africa is intertwined. By working together, these regions can achieve far more than they could alone. Davos provides a moment to build these bridges, to craft a narrative of shared success and to demonstrate that innovation knows no borders. The opportunities are vast, the challenges are surmountable and the time to act is now.