Trade, Investment and the New Continental Agenda
Held on the sidelines of AFSIC 2025 during London’s premier week for African investment dialogue, this roundtable convenes senior policymakers, investors, business leaders and development financiers for a focused conversation on the future of African trade. Featuring an opening keynote address by Lord (Dominic) Johnson, Former Chairman of the Conservative Party and Former Minister for Business & Trade.
Join us for a timely forum tabling African-led perspectives on integration, innovation and long-term value creation.
About the event
As global trade realignments gather pace, Africa stands at a critical inflexion point. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is reshaping how nations collaborate and trade across borders; however, there are significant systemic barriers that threaten implementation, including the trade finance gap, which restricts the flow of goods and services for small and medium-sized businesses.
Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts and supply chain recalibrations are opening new space for differentiated partnerships, aligning trade strategy with innovative financing mechanisms and better investment-readiness.
This is a working session for practitioners committed to solutions, from trade officials and investment agencies to fund managers, DFI professionals and business leaders.
What to expect
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Understand how global realignments are creating new trade and investment opportunities for African markets and sectors.
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Engage directly with African leaders involved in AfCFTA implementation and bilateral negotiation strategies.
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Spot high-growth opportunities in fintech, agri-tech, creative economy and technology-driven export sectors.
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Connect with capital allocators, DFIs and intermediaries actively deploying funds into Africa’s productive economy.
Keynote Speaker
Lord (Dominic) Johnson
Former Chairman of the Conservative Party, and Former Minister for Business & Trade
Lord (Dominic) Johnson of Lainston CBE served as Minister of State for Business & Trade (2023-2024) and previously as Minister for Investment (2022-2023). He co-founded Somerset Capital Management LLP in 2007 as an employee-owned partnership specialising in emerging markets and pension fund management in developing countries. He brings over 25 years' experience in international finance, including roles in Hong Kong with Jardine Fleming and beginning his career at Robert Fleming in 1995.
Online Registration
Save 25% when you book Early Bird tickets by 18 August 2025. Contact us if you encounter any issues with your registration.