The Financial Times Africa Summit returns to London on October 21–22, 2025, uniting heads of state, investors, policymakers, and innovators to address Africa’s most critical economic and policy priorities.
This year’s theme, “Africa in a Changing World,” reflects the opportunities and uncertainties shaping the continent’s next phase of growth. With shifting global alliances, constrained capital markets, and rapid technological transformation, the 2025 edition arrives at a defining moment for how Africa positions itself in the global order.
A New Global Context
The summit will open with welcome remarks from Bernard Mensah, President of International for Bank of America. His address will set the tone for two days of high-level dialogue by framing the continent’s economic trajectory within broader global financial shifts.
Building on his remarks, the first day’s sessions will explore Africa’s evolving position within the global landscape. Conversations will center on deepening trade relations, accelerating the energy transition, leveraging technological innovation, and driving industrial growth through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Policymakers, investors, and business leaders will assess how the continent is reshaping its international partnerships, balancing fossil fuel development with renewable energy investment, and scaling fintech and digital infrastructure to tap into its young, entrepreneurial population.
Standout sessions across both days include “South Africa’s G20 Presidency – A Turning Point for Africa’s Global Influence?” on Day 1 and “US–Africa Relations in the Age of Trump” on Day 2. Together, these discussions frame Africa’s evolving role in global governance and its efforts to assert greater influence on international decision-making. Under the theme of equality, solidarity, and sustainability, South Africa’s G20 presidency has pushed for fairer financial systems and stronger cooperation that will be tested as the presidency transitions to the US in 2026.
Building on this context, the Day 2 session examines how the renewed Trump administration is reshaping America’s engagement with the continent, from a more transactional diplomatic approach and the dismantling of USAID to renewed focus on domestic energy production.
The Confluence of Voices
The 2025 summit brings together an exceptional group of global and African leaders shaping the continent’s political, financial, and innovation landscape. Confirmed speakers include visionary leaders such as, Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice President, Government of Gabon; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa; Dr Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Republic of Mauritius; Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing Sustainable Development and High-Level Climate Champion for COP27; Leslie Maasdorp, CEO, British International Investment (BII) and Bassim Haidar, Founder and Chairman, Optasia.
Through a mix of keynote discussions, fireside chats, and industry panels, the summit will provide a platform for dialogue, insight, and collaboration across the continent’s most pressing priorities.
Key sessions include:
● The Future of Finance: Unlocking Africa’s Capital Potential, examining how African nations are adapting to new trade dynamics, mobilising domestic revenue, unlocking private capital, and leveraging technology to strengthen financial resilience.
● The Future of African Fintech, spotlighting advances in digital adoption and the continent’s fintech evolution
● Mission 300: Building a Sustainable Energy Future for Africa, addressing how Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Finance Corporation, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development are collaborating under the Mission 300 initiative to expand energy access across Africa by leveraging innovative financing mechanisms to attract private investment, drive job creation, enhance local economies, and advance broader sustainable development goals.
● AI and Infrastructure — Unlocking Africa’s Tech Economy, assessing how investments from global players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon can position Africa as the next frontier for AI-driven growth.
Why the FT Africa Summit Matters
Now in its twelfth edition, the FT Africa Summit continues to be the continent’s most influential forum for framing how Africa is discussed in the global economic narrative. Beyond policy debates, it is a space where investment signals, strategic alliances, and actionable solutions emerge.
This year’s edition carries added weight as Africa navigates inflationary pressures, digital disruption, and climate adaptation simultaneously. The summit aims to move beyond rhetoric to define what practical collaboration looks like between governments, investors, and innovators.
Looking Ahead
The FT Africa Summit 2025 will convene the people defining Africa’s next chapter from policymakers setting the agenda to entrepreneurs building new industries. With sessions spanning finance, innovation, infrastructure and energy, the summit will serve as a critical meeting point for those shaping how Africa grows, governs, and competes.
The Financial Times Africa Summit 2025 takes place in London from October 21–22, 2025. For the full agenda, speaker lineup, and registration details, visit https://africa.live.ft.com/page/4330961/register-now
