The Financial Times has announced that the 12th edition of its flagship FT Africa Summit will take place on October 21–22, 2025, at The Peninsula, London, under the theme "Africa in a Changing World."
This year's summit will focus on how African countries, including Nigeria, are driving innovation, transitioning to renewable energy, and fostering youth-led entrepreneurship — all critical for building sustainable and inclusive economies. For SMEs, the conversations promise insights into policies, technologies, and investment opportunities that can accelerate business growth.
Key topics will include:
- Policy changes in Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa.
- Emerging opportunities in fintech, AI, and digital infrastructure.
- Industrial expansion and renewable energy adoption.
Speakers will feature high-level government officials and industry leaders from across Africa, including Mahmoud Youssouf (African Union Commission Chairperson), Ronald Lamola (South Africa's Minister of International Relations), Dr David Sengeh (Sierra Leone's Chief Innovation Officer), and executives from major corporations like Infinity Power and TotalEnergies.
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For SMEs, the FT Africa Summit offers direct access to investors, development partners, and global stakeholders, creating valuable networking and partnership opportunities. The event will be facilitated by senior FT editors and cover critical sectors from trade and energy to finance and infrastructure.
David Pilling, FT Africa Editor, described the summit as "a vital platform to explore Africa's role in a rapidly changing world", highlighting its focus on diplomacy, digital growth, and development priorities. Alec Russell, FT Foreign Editor, added that it will also be a space for "candid dialogue on Africa's challenges and fresh thinking on investment and innovation."
The summit's track record as a bridge between African entrepreneurs and the global community makes it a strategic event for SMEs seeking visibility, partnerships, and expansion into international markets.
