NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 15 – The Financial Times Africa Summit 2025 is set to open in London next week, bringing together heads of state, investors, and policymakers to explore how Africa can assert greater influence in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
The two-day forum, taking place from October 21 to 22 under the theme Africa in a Changing World, comes at a time when the continent is navigating constrained capital markets, climate pressures, and technological disruption.
This year’s edition is expected to focus on how Africa can reposition itself amid global realignments, with key sessions examining trade, energy transition, and innovation. The discussions are particularly significant as South Africa leads the G20 presidency and the United States under Donald Trump redefines its diplomatic engagement with the continent.
Bernard Mensah, President of International for Bank of America, will open the summit with remarks framing Africa’s economic outlook within the context of global financial shifts.
One of the high-profile sessions, South Africa’s G20 Presidency — A Turning Point for Africa’s Global Influence?, will explore how Pretoria’s leadership could help push for fairer global financial systems and stronger cooperation within multilateral institutions.
Another session, US–Africa Relations in the Age of Trump, will assess how Washington’s renewed focus on domestic energy production and reduced aid spending may reshape America’s engagement with African nations.
Among confirmed speakers are Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Dr Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Mauritius; Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing Sustainable Development; and Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment.
Other key topics on the agenda include The Future of Finance: Unlocking Africa’s Capital Potential, which will look at strategies to mobilise private capital and strengthen financial resilience, and AI and Infrastructure — Unlocking Africa’s Tech Economy, examining how investments from Google, Microsoft and Amazon are driving Africa’s digital growth.
Now in its 12th edition, the FT Africa Summit has cemented its reputation as one of the most influential platforms shaping Africa’s policy and investment narrative. The 2025 edition is expected to go beyond dialogue to define how governments, investors, and innovators can work together to build sustainable growth across the continent.
The Financial Times Africa Summit 2025 will be held in London from October 21 to 22. For more details and registration, visit africa.live.ft.com.
