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Tag: Invest Africa

  • Invest Africa Appoints Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa US

    Invest Africa Appoints Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa US

    …Shannon brings over 20 years of leadership experience in international finance, investment, and advisory services

     Invest Africa US is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer. Based in Washington, D.C., Shannon will drive the organization’s U.S. strategy and growth, raising Invest Africa’s profile, strengthening partnerships, and deepening investor engagement with opportunities across Africa and within the U.S. Invest Africa is a global platform with offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East and Africa.

    Shannon brings over 20 years of leadership experience in international finance, investment, and advisory services. Most recently, Shannon served as Director of Milken Institute International, where she founded and led its Africa Leaders Business Council, spearheaded high-level dialogues alongside the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and UN General Assembly, and expanded global investor partnerships.

    Previously, she was Managing Director at the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), where she developed investor education programs and convened global capital providers through flagship conferences and summits. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles in private equity, structured finance, and consulting, including positions at Pine Creek Partners, CapitalSource Finance, and Arthur Andersen LLP. She also founded Finley Advisory, LLC, advising funds, family offices, and impact investors on capital introductions and fundraising strategies.

    Karen Taylor, Executive Chair, Invest Africa said, “Invest Africa is dedicated to building bridges for global investors with the wide range of opportunities that exist on the African continent. Strengthening our presence in the United States is an essential part of our strategy, enabling us to align capital, ideas, and partnerships from around the world. This appointment underscores Invest Africa’s role as the leading platform for channeling international investment into Africa.”

    “Having worked with Shannon during her time at the Milken Institute, I am delighted to welcome her as our CEO in the US,” said Paul Hinks, Chairman of Invest Africa in the US. “Africa is a vast continent where there are countless opportunities and the United States is an essential partner for its growth. Invest Africa is distinguished by its ability to provide American investors with the expertise, network, and access needed to navigate complex markets and unlock opportunities. With Shannon’s experience, Invest Africa is uniquely positioned to help channel U.S. capital into high-impact investments across Africa and open doors for African entities seeking to better understand the nuances of the U.S. market.”

    “I am pleased to join Invest Africa at such a pivotal time for U.S.-Africa engagement,” said Shannon Stroud. “I look forward to deepening our relationships with investors, policy makers, and business leaders across the United States and on the African continent and translating those connections into actionable partnerships. Together with our colleagues globally, we will ensure Invest Africa continues to be the trusted platform where U.S. and African investors cultivate meaningful opportunities and drive impact.

  • President Ruto, Samaila Zubairu and Africa’s Top Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) to Headline The Africa Debate in London

    President Ruto, Samaila Zubairu and Africa’s Top Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) to Headline The Africa Debate in London

    …The Africa Debate will convene over 700 senior decision-makers from across government, finance, and industry for a full day of high-level exchanges

     Invest Africa is pleased to announce Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as Headline Partner for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London.

    This year’s theme — “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth” — seeks to interrogate how Africa can transform the scale and structure of investment around its most enduring assets: from its critical minerals and fertile land to its human ingenuity and demographic dynamism.

    Now firmly established as the UK’s premier forum for Africa-focused investment dialogue, The Africa Debate will convene over 700 senior decision-makers from across government, finance, and industry for a full day of high-level exchanges. Through keynote addresses, ministerial dialogues, and curated sector debates, the programme will explore how to turn extractive advantage into structural transformation — mobilising green industrialisation, digital infrastructure, intra-African trade, and new financial instruments to drive inclusive, climate-smart growth.

    This year’s speaker line-up reflects the extraordinary breadth of voices shaping Africa’s next chapter, from heads of state to the stewards of global capital. Highlights include: H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Board Chair, TradeMark Africa; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank; Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director, African Department, International Monetary Fund; Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation, African Development Bank; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Chair, Econet Wireless; Duncan Wanblad, CEO, Anglo American; Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando Plc; Monique Gieskes, CEO, PHC; Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President, Glencore DRC; and more. The full programme is now available to view here (http://apo-opa.co/4ljJqbx), with detailed sessions on value chain transformation, blended finance, regional infrastructure, and Africa’s positioning in a multipolar global economy.

    Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, commented: “Natural capital is only as valuable as the systems that refine, protect, and elevate it. At AFC, we believe that infrastructure is the bridge between Africa’s resource richness and the continent’s ability to rapidly industrialise and take its rightful place on the global stage. Our partnership with Invest Africa and The Africa Debate underscores the need for thoughtful, long-term capital — deployed strategically — to unlock the continent’s full economic potential. We are proud to support a platform that challenges assumptions and catalyses bold, bankable solutions.”

    Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, added: “Africa’s path to prosperity must be built not on extraction, but on transformation. This year’s theme compels us to ask harder questions about how we steward the continent’s assets — human, natural, and institutional — in a world shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical priorities. With AFC’s visionary leadership, we are honoured to convene a dialogue that is ambitious in scope, rigorous in thought, and focused on meaningful outcomes.”

    Confirmed Sponsors of The Africa Debate Include: Africa Finance Corporation (Headline Partner), Absa Group, Afreximbank, FirstBank UK Limited, Invest KZN, Standard Chartered, Standard Bank Group, Plantations et Huileries du Congo, Lagos Free Zone (Tolaram), Octopus Energy, ServiceNow, Stellar Developments, Spiro, Safaricom, Premier Invest, Remittances Hub, S-RM, DLA Piper, and London Stock Exchange Group.

    To register as a delegate for The Africa Debate, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/4efWGM0. Places are limited and advance registration is essential.

  • Invest Africa and United Kingdom (UK) Government Announce Strategic Partnership for The Africa Debate – London

    Invest Africa and United Kingdom (UK) Government Announce Strategic Partnership for The Africa Debate – London

    …as the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”

     Invest Africa, the leading platform for promoting trade and investment across the African continent, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the UK Government for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the historic Guildhall in the City of London. 

    As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”. The agenda will examine how African nations can leverage their abundant resources – from critical minerals and biodiversity to human capital – to build globally competitive industries, enhance intra-African value chains, and deliver inclusive, sustainable development.  

    The event comes at a strategically important moment: just over one year into the new UK Government, as it sets out a renewed international agenda focused on trade, investment, and strategic partnership with Africa. 

    The Rt Hon. the Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, commented: “The UK recognises the critical role Africa plays in the global economy and in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future. We are proud to support The Africa Debate as a strategic platform to deepen trade and investment ties with African partners and boost mutual economic growth between our countries. Our ambition in our new approach to Africa is to support the scale-up of transformative green growth across the continent – and the UK stands ready to be a long-term, trusted partner in that journey.” 

    Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, added: “Our collaboration with the UK Government is a major milestone for The Africa Debate. With a new administration in place, this is a crucial opportunity to shape a modern and meaningful UK-Africa relationship centred on mutual benefit. As African economies focus on industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable investment, we are proud to offer a platform that connects the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential.” 

    The Africa Debate 2025 will feature head of state and ministerial keynotes, alongside high-level plenaries and curated side events that convene senior leaders from across Africa and the global investment community. This year’s agenda will examine how the continent can harness its natural capital – through the lenses of finance, industrialisation, and digital innovation – to drive long-term value creation and sustainable development. Our strategic partnership reflects the UK’s commitment to forging deeper, future-oriented relationships with African partners – focused on mobilising investment at scale, promoting inclusive economic growth, and co-creating resilient solutions to shared global challenges. 

  • Nigeria Strengthens Trade and Investment Ties with the United Kingdom (UK) During the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit

    Nigeria Strengthens Trade and Investment Ties with the United Kingdom (UK) During the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit

    …Dr. Oduwole’s engagements in London aligned with Nigeria’s four key strategic pillars: investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, economic diversification, and strategic communications

     Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, successfully concluded a series of high-level engagements in London, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to fostering trade and investment partnerships with the UK. The visit, anchored around the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held on 7-8 April, provided a vital platform to showcase Nigeria’s strategic economic priorities and attract investment into key sectors.

    During her visit, Dr. Oduwole participated in two exclusive events hosted by Invest Africa, engaging with top-tier stakeholders, business leaders, and investors. These engagements underscored Nigeria’s dedication to economic diversification, investment mobilisation, and strengthening the London-Lagos investment corridor.

    On 8 April, the Minister delivered a keynote address at an Invest Africa-hosted roundtable, where she outlined Nigeria’s investment potential and strategic trade policies. The discussion focused on boosting non-oil sectors, promoting ease of doing business, and enhancing UK-Nigeria commercial ties. Senior executives from the UK business and investor community engaged directly with the Minister, fostering dialogue on new investment opportunities and partnerships that will contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development goals.

    Dr. Oduwole stated: “Nigeria is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment that fosters investment, innovation, and economic growth. Our engagements in London demonstrate our dedication to strengthening trade ties, supporting local and foreign investors, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a prime investment destination. The opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in non-oil sectors, are immense, and we invite investors to be part of this journey towards sustainable development.”

    Additionally, the Minister participated in an exclusive event co-hosted by Invest Africa in partnership with Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). This strategic engagement positioned LFZ as a premier investment hub within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, showcasing its potential to attract global investors and support the country’s industrialisation agenda. The event featured a presentation by Lagos Free Zone MD & CEO, Adesuwa Ladoja, and a dynamic panel discussion exploring Nigeria’s industrial landscape and how LFZ can support UK businesses keen on exploring pathways for sustainable growth in Nigeria.

    Karen Taylor, Chair of Invest Africa, commented: “Invest Africa is proud to facilitate meaningful engagement between Nigerian leaders and the UK business community. The Minister’s participation in our events underscores Nigeria’s strategic importance as a trade and investment partner. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that drive economic collaboration and unlock new business opportunities.”

    Adesuwa Ladoja, MD & CEO of Lagos Free Zone, remarked: “The Lagos Free Zone represents a game-changer for Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, offering world-class infrastructure and seamless business operations. This event provided a crucial platform to showcase how strategic investments in LFZ can unlock deeper penetration into the Nigerian market for UK businesses and drive Nigeria’s industrialisation. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to welcoming global investors.”

    Dr. Oduwole’s engagements in London aligned with Nigeria’s four key strategic pillars: investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, economic diversification, and strategic communications. Through these discussions, the Minister reinforced Nigeria’s proactive approach to fostering international trade relations, unlocking new business opportunities, and strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

    As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable economic transformation, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment remains committed to advancing strategic partnerships and positioning Nigeria as a top-tier investment destination on the global stage. b

  • Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth: The Africa Debate Returns to London

    Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth: The Africa Debate Returns to London

    …The focus must shift towards bold policy reforms, investment in value chains, and partnerships that promote industrial growth, ensuring Africa is not just a supplier of raw materials but a leader in global markets

    Now in its 11th year, The Africa Debate 2025 returns as London’s leading Africa-focused investment forum, bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, and investors at the prestigious Guildhall on 2 July 2025. 

    At a time when Africa’s economic transformation is at a critical inflection point, this year’s debate will focus on “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth.” With 60% of the world’s richest solar resources and a wealth of critical minerals crucial to next-generation industries, Africa is positioned at the centre of the global energy transition. However, realising this opportunity requires more than just resource extraction. The focus must shift towards bold policy reforms, investment in value chains, and partnerships that promote industrial growth, ensuring Africa is not just a supplier of raw materials but a leader in global markets. 

    “Africa is no longer defined by its raw materials – it is emerging as a global force in advanced industries, sustainable energy, and digital innovation,” said Chantelé Carrington, CEO at Invest Africa. “The challenge now is not just unlocking potential, but turning ambition into action. This year’s debate will bring together visionary leaders and investors to shape the strategies that will drive Africa’s next phase of economic transformation.”  

    Key Themes Driving The Africa Debate  

    This year’s discussions will focus on four central themes shaping Africa’s investment landscape:  

    • Africa’s Role in Global Supply Chains: With demand for green energy and digital infrastructure surging, Africa has a unique opportunity to move up the value chain and position itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrialisation. At The Africa Debate, we will explore the policies, investments, and trade agreements needed to ensure that Africa captures greater economic value from its natural capital rather than exporting it in its raw form. 
    • Mobilising Capital for Natural Resources: Unlocking Africa’s vast resources requires smart, structured finance. Traditional funding models have fallen short in mobilising the capital needed for infrastructure, energy, and industrialisation. At The Africa Debate, we will examine how blended finance, innovative investment vehicles, and risk-mitigation tools can de-risk projects and bridge Africa’s financing gap. 
    • Digitalising Natural Capital: Africa loses an estimated $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows, opaque commodity trading and resource mispricing. Could blockchain technology provide the transparency and security needed to capture fair value from resources? At The Africa Debate, we will explore whether blockchain and digital solutions can revolutionise governance in extractives, sustainable agriculture, and carbon markets. 
    • Industrialisation and Energy: Africa must triple its energy generation capacity by 2040 to meet growing industrial and consumer demand, yet investment in the energy sector remains fragmented and inconsistent. At The Africa Debate, we will explore bankable energy solutions—from renewables and gas to nuclear—and discuss the financing models needed to ensure Africa secures reliable, sustainable, and scalable energy for industrial growth. 

    The Africa Debate 2025 offers a unique platform for deal-making, strategic discussions and networking that will shape the future of trade and investment across the continent. Attendees will gain exclusive insights from high-level industry leaders, investors, and policymakers driving Africa’s economic transformation. Join us on 2 July 2025 at London’s Guildhall for a day of unparalleled thought leadership and opportunity. Register now at The Africa Debate 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4hj6zsc). 

  • Invest Africa to host Google and Cassava Technologies at Africa Tech Festival

    Invest Africa to host Google and Cassava Technologies at Africa Tech Festival

     Invest Africa will return to the Africa Tech Festival next week, convening a high-level fireside chat on advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure in partnership with DLA Piper. Featuring Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi, Cassava Technologies President and Group Chief Executive Officer Hardy Pemhiwa, and DLA Piper’s Partner, Livia Dyer, the event will shed light on the evolving digital landscape in African markets and the opportunities and challenges it presents for investors.

    The fireside chat will provide a platform for the discussions around achieving inclusive connectivity across the continent, tackling digital infrastructure challenges, and raising awareness about cybersecurity issues and digital proficiency across diverse populations. Our two Industry leaders will provide us with their view on the investment opportunities within Africa’s digital ecosystem.

    The digital landscape in African markets is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors. Approximately four in ten Africans now have internet access, with around 60% accessing it through mobile phones. This connectivity has a profound economic impact. Internet adoption is forecasted to contribute a staggering $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, while a 10% rise in mobile broadband penetration alone is projected to result in a 2.5% increase in GDP per capita.

    Persistent challenges remain, however: 300 million Africans live more than 50 km away from a broadband connection, and the majority of inter-country internet traffic still relies on undersea cables. While Africa strives to establish a unified digital market, regulatory landscapes diverge among its 54 countries – not least of all in data protection and intellectual property rights.

    Join us for what promises to be the conversation of the week:  on 14 November, to attend please email events@investafrica.com

    “Africa’s digital transformation is not just a goal but a necessity for the continent’s growth,” said Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi. “Google is supporting a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups to help boost Africa’s digital transformation.”

    Cassava Technologies, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Hardy Pemhiwa, added, “We believe that digital infrastructure is one of the most important pillars for Africa’s economic development.  Technology solutions for the continent must be grounded in ‘African Intelligence’. We have to  develop local technology solutions and adapt what is available globally to Africa’s unique development challenges. Cassava Technologies has made extensive investments in realising our vision of enabling a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”

  • Fidelity Bank Partners Invest Africa to Showcase the Best of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports

    Fidelity Bank Partners Invest Africa to Showcase the Best of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports

    …FITCC will host leading businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and regulators operating in the commodity, service, creative, fashion and fintech sectors in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the wider European market

     In line with its strategic intent to always provide solutions and business support for its customers, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc (www.FidelityBank.ng), has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) in partnership with Invest Africa. 

    Scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 15 and Wednesday, 16 November 2022 in London, United Kingdom, FITCC will host leading businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and regulators operating in the commodity, service, creative, fashion and fintech sectors in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the wider European market, to promote Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports and facilitate integrations to global supply-chain networks via partnerships, co-creation opportunities and foreign direct investments. 

    According to a joint press release issued by the two organisations, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe stated, “FITCC is the next step in a series of activities we organized over the years to promote exportation in Nigeria. We started by investing in growing local capacity through our Export Management Programme in conjunction with the Lagos Business School and providing funding options for exporters. Over the years, we have remained committed to promoting non-oil exports from Nigeria, and through the FITCC, we are opening new opportunities in the international markets for Nigerian exporters and contributing positively to the growth of our economy. We are delighted to have Invest Africa collaborate with us on this amazing journey as we connect local businesses to importers and investors in the United Kingdom and Europe.” 

    Besides product exhibitions, FITCC will feature keynotes/plenaries, syndicate rooms for closed-door engagements with industry leaders, deal/meeting rooms, art exhibitions, themed theatrical performances, networking cocktails, and side fashion shows. 

    “As a leading business and investment platform, Invest Africa is thrilled to be partnering with Fidelity Bank on their inaugural FITCC conference in London this November. With a global footprint of more than 400 member companies, comprising multinationals, private equity firms, institutional investors, development finance institutions, professional service organisations, government bodies and entrepreneurs, we are well placed to support the bank in bringing the right partners and delegates to the event. The Nigerian market is hugely important to our members and there is no better time than now to showcase the extensive export capacity that Nigeria holds.,” commented Alison Kingsley-Hall, Head of Membership, Invest Africa.