African leaders, investors and business executives will gather in London on October 21 and 22 to discuss how the continent can finance business expansion, strengthen regional trade and attract investment amid changing global economic conditions.
The 13th Financial Times Africa Summit will focus on “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order”, with discussions covering domestic capital, financial technology, infrastructure, energy and industrial development.
The meeting will bring renewed attention to the financing gap facing African businesses and the need for governments to create conditions that encourage investment in productive sectors.
As major economies adjust their trade policies and commercial alliances, African countries are also looking for ways to broaden their sources of financing, increase exports and strengthen trade links within the continent.
Mobilising capital for African businesses
The first day will examine the future of finance, domestic capital mobilisation and the development of Africa’s fintech industry.
Participants will also discuss how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can secure investment to expand production, enter new markets and create jobs.
For many African businesses, access to affordable finance remains a barrier to growth. The summit will explore the investment conditions needed to help businesses scale up, while other sessions will consider gold reserve management and the economic effects of rapid urbanisation.
The discussions will bring together perspectives from government, finance and industry on the role of capital in supporting business growth and economic development.
Global trade shifts and regional markets
The second day will focus on the implications of changing trade policies, tariffs and international alliances for African economies.
Participants will examine how economic reforms can support inclusive growth, how investors and governments can better manage risk, and how African countries can strengthen commercial ties with the Gulf, China and India.
The programme will also consider the Red Sea corridor and United States policy towards Africa, reflecting the importance of trade routes and international relationships to the continent’s economic prospects.
A central issue will be whether African countries can use regional markets to expand opportunities for local producers and reduce their exposure to external economic shocks.
Stronger commercial links between African countries could also help businesses reach more customers, build regional supply chains and increase the value of goods produced on the continent.
Leaders from government and business
Confirmed speakers include Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dangote Group president and chief executive Aliko Dangote, Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and Jakaya Kikwete, former president of Tanzania.
Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s finance minister, and Kristy Mcneill, the United Kingdom’s minister for international development, are also expected to participate.
Ministers and business leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will join the discussions.
The summit will also host the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards, organised in partnership with the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The awards will recognise private-sector initiatives offering scalable solutions to development challenges across Africa.
