For 2024 to be an exemplary year for the African continent, continental leaders in government and business alike must individually and collectively address and navigate a complex set of domestic, regional and international risks and challenges. This paper starts by providing a snapshot of current growth and development indicators and forecasts for Africa. It then scans the horizon for trends and issues pertaining to Africa’s governance and development context that are likely to have a decisive impact on these indicators in the year ahead. In so doing, it takes stock of some of the key achievements and challenges experienced in 2023.