Trade, Investment and the New Continental Agenda
As global trade shifts accelerate, how can Africa seize this moment to reshape its economic future? Join us for a strategic roundtable tabling diverse perspectives on African-led integration, innovation and sustainable growth.
About the event
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds transformative potential, yet it faces significant implementation challenges. At the same time, geopolitical shifts and supply chain recalibrations are creating new risks and opportunities for African economies as they pursue strategic partnerships.
This closed-door roundtable convenes policy and industry leaders, as well as investors committed to bridging policy ambition with business reality.
The roundtable is held during London’s premier week for African investment dialogue. It features an opening keynote address by Lord (Dominic) Johnson, Former Chairman of the Conservative Party.
Themes we’ll explore
Global Context – How geopolitical shifts are reshaping opportunities for African businesses and investors
AfCFTA in Action – Implementation realities, progress, and practical pathways forward
Doing Business on the Ground – Sector innovation across manufacturing, financial services and emerging industries
Strategic Partnerships – Building sustainable, globally competitive African business models
Keynote Speaker
Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE
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Dominic Johnson, Lord Johnson of Lainston CBE, is a Conservative Peer, former Minister of State for Investment and Regulatory Reform (2022–2024), and Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party (2024–2025).
A graduate of Durham University, he has over 30 years in financial services, starting at Robert Fleming in 1995, followed by roles in Jardine Fleming (Hong Kong), Lloyd George Asset Management, and co-founding Somerset Capital Management in 2007, focusing on emerging markets.
In 2020, he joined the Department for International Trade as a Non-Executive Director, and in 2022, he was appointed Minister of State and Member of the House of Lords.
Currently, he sits on the board of Block Scholes, advises the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and remains active in the House of Lords.
Speakers
Rachel Moré-Oshodi
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Rachel is a seasoned leader in infrastructure finance and sustainable development, with over 20 years of experience transforming Africa’s energy sector. As CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Ltd, she has driven over $7 billion in innovative, climate-resilient projects across electricity, transport, and ICT. Her career spans major institutions like AES Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, and IFC, where she combined financial acumen with social impact. Rachel also founded Ruwah, a platform promoting financial literacy among African youth. A frequent speaker at global forums, she holds an MBA from Darden and executive education from Harvard, championing inclusive growth through infrastructure investment.
Ope Onibokun
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Ope Onibokun is the Managing Partner of Highstream Investments, focusing on capital deployment in emerging markets. He previously led infrastructure investments at British International Investment and raised over $200 million for port projects at Arise. His earlier roles include infrastructure finance at Investec Asset Management and Citigroup. Ope has contributed to over $2 billion in financings across Africa, Asia, and Europe in power, transport, and telecoms. Passionate about impact, he mentors with the Amos Bursary and writes on African development. He holds degrees from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Sir Richard Gozney KCMG CVO
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Sir Richard Gozney KCMG CVO served as Governor of Bermuda; as British High Commissioner to Nigeria, 2004-07; as Ambassador to Indonesia; and as High Commissioner to Eswatini. After retirement as a British diplomat, he spent 5 years as the late Queen's representative (the Lieutenant Governor) in the Isle of Man.
Temi
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Temi is the host of TemTalksWith, where conversations, culture, and creativity collide. Known for her engaging interview style that blends openness with sharp curiosity, she creates space for honest dialogue with authors, artists, and change-makers. Temi is also the founder of Blacklisted Bookclub, a platform championing Black and African voices in literature. With her background in journalism and community building, she brings a unique mix of insight, warmth, and wit to every conversation, making TemTalksWith a space for stories that inspire and resonate.
Derek Wilkinson
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Derek is the Managing Director and a shareholder of Sandfields Farms Ltd, part of The Shropshire Group, based in Warwickshire. Since 2007, the business has grown over 1,600 hectares of salads and vegetables for major UK retailers, employing 800+ staff across multiple counties. It also cultivates 400 hectares of combinable crops, primarily on rented land. In 2011, Derek established the West Africa Farms business in Senegal, producing winter salads for UK and European markets. He serves on the BBC Rural Affairs Advisory Committee and the NFU Horticulture and Potato Board. Derek, from a farming background, studied Agriculture at Harper Adams University.
Kwabena Osei-Mensah
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Kwabena Osei-Mensah has served as Actuarial Consultant to the Ghana National Insurance Commission (GNIC). He was Director at Moody’s Analytics. Kwabena held actuarial roles at KPMG LLP UK, in the Lloyd’s Market, and is Director of RIX Analytix, a private consulting firm supporting insurers with regulatory compliance (e.g., IFRS 17, Solvency II) and actuarial database solutions. Passionate about capacity building, Kwabena works closely with the Actuarial Society of Ghana (ASG) to strengthen actuarial expertise across Ghana and the broader West African region.
Steve Gray OBE
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Steve Gray OBE is West Africa Regional Head at UK Export Finance (UKEF). He has extensive experience working across African markets and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to British businesses in West Africa. As Regional Head for UKEF, he has played a key role in setting up trading relationships in Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Benin and Senegal, and in developing new opportunities for UK companies across West Africa backed by export finance.
Eryca Freemantle
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Eryca Freemantle is a global beauty strategist with 40 years’ experience advancing diversity and inclusion in the cosmetics and creative industries. As Founder of E.A.T.O.W, she has built an international platform supporting women-led enterprises in the creative industries. She has worked with governments, global brands, and entrepreneurs across Africa and the UK, leading trade missions and championing beauty as a driver of sustainability, empowerment, and cross-border economic growth.
