The African Business Chamber (AfBC) is set to host its flagship UK-Africa Business Forum on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, at London’s Grosvenor House, aiming to foster economic and investment ties between Africa and the United Kingdom. This year’s forum, aligning with the UK’s International Trade Week, will feature discussions on critical sectors such as foreign direct investment, capital markets, technology, sustainability, and infrastructure development across Africa.
The event promises to convene an influential mix of stakeholders, including senior business leaders, government officials, financial institutions, development finance entities, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries, underscoring Africa’s potential as an economic partner. Participants will examine the latest developments in African markets and explore avenues for collaboration, spanning sectors that are integral to Africa’s long-term growth and the United Kingdom’s evolving trade agenda with the continent.
The programme opens with an address from Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka, the Zambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Her Excellency Linda Scott, High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK, setting the tone for a collaborative exchange. The keynote panel discussions will follow, featuring notable industry leaders and experts, including Tom Minney, a capital markets and emerging technology consultant, and Veronica Bolton Smith, a non-executive director at ThirdWay Capital. Their insights will shed light on Africa’s growing capital markets and the impact of strategic investment on regional economies.
This year’s forum focuses intently on “Financing Africa,” a segment expected to attract keen interest, as panelists explore the interplay of export financing, infrastructure investments, remittance flows, technological innovation, and energy sector development. These discussions aim to address persistent barriers and emerging opportunities for sustainable development financing in Africa, reflecting a broader international commitment to enabling economic resilience across the continent.
In addition to structured panel discussions, the event will feature a series of networking sessions aimed at strengthening professional ties and fostering business synergies. Attendees are encouraged to engage with decision-makers from both the private and public sectors, including representatives from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), venture capital, and private equity firms. This platform allows UK-based firms and investors to gain deeper insights into African markets, while also offering African businesses exposure to international capital and expertise.
Concluding the forum, AfBC CEO Eugene Nizeyimana is scheduled to deliver a vote of thanks, closing with an invitation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among participants. The AfBC has underscored the forum as part of a wider commitment to bolstering Africa’s economic partnerships globally, and particularly within the UK, as both regions navigate a dynamic and rapidly evolving international trade environment.
The UK-Africa Business Forum arrives at a significant juncture for African markets, many of which are witnessing record growth and diversification despite global economic headwinds. As the region continues to advance in fields such as digital technology, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships with UK businesses becomes increasingly pronounced.
As Africa’s trade and economic landscapes expand, forums like the UK-Africa Business Forum serve as conduits for meaningful cross-border engagement, offering pathways for UK-based companies to invest in Africa’s growth story while supporting the continent’s socioeconomic aspirations. The discussions, partnerships, and strategies forged during this event could contribute to shaping the future of UK-Africa economic relations and amplifying Africa’s voice in the global economy.
For further information on the event or to explore membership and sponsorship opportunities, contact AfBC via their official website, www.african-chamber.com.
