From left: Richard Attias, founder of the New York Forum Institute; Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda; and Ali Bongo Ondimba, president of Gabon at the opening panel of the forum.

The 3rd edition of the New York Forum AFRICA kicks off on Friday in Libreville, Gabon. More than 800 participants - including heads of state, policymakers and business leaders - are putting their heads together to discuss the transformation of the African continent.