President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, are among prominent African leaders and business executives expected at the 13th Financial Times (FT) Africa Summit in London.
The two-day summit, scheduled for October 21 and 22 at The Landmark, London, will bring together African political leaders, policymakers, investors and business executives to discuss strategies for strengthening the continent’s economic prospects amid changing global trade and investment dynamics.
The summit, themed “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order,” will focus on how African economies can respond to shifting international economic relationships, mobilise domestic capital, expand regional markets and promote productive growth.
Other confirmed speakers include former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete; Kristy Mcneill, the United Kingdom’s Minister for International Development; Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance.
Ministers and business leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also expected to participate.
The first day will open with a keynote interview with President Mahama, followed by discussions on the future of finance, domestic capital mobilisation and the next phase of Africa’s financial technology industry.
Other sessions will examine investment opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises, gold reserve management and the economic implications of the continent’s rapid urbanisation.
Participants will explore ways to improve access to financing for growing businesses and strengthen domestic financial systems to support sustainable economic expansion.
On the second day, discussions will focus on the policy reforms required to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, the alignment of investment capital with Africa’s development ambitions, and strategies for strengthening the continent’s position in international trade.
The programme will also examine the implications of shifting global trade alliances and tariffs, the strategic importance of the Red Sea corridor, and the direction of United States policy towards Africa.
Further discussions will consider the growing importance of regional demand and commercial relations with the Gulf states, China and India as African countries seek to diversify their economic partnerships and attract investment.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for government officials, investors and business leaders to examine practical approaches to deepening regional trade, strengthening financial systems and developing the infrastructure and industries needed to sustain long-term economic growth.
The event 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 innovative private-sector initiatives delivering scalable solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
Now in its 13th year, the FT Africa Summit has established itself as a forum for African and international decision-makers to discuss the economic, investment and policy issues shaping the continent’s future.
Interested participants can register for delegate passes or apply for media accreditation through the summit’s official website, africa.live.ft.com.
