Invest Africa, Mayor of London, and FirstBank UK to Host Joint Closing Reception for The Africa Debate 2026
Key Event Details
Invest Africa, in collaboration with the Mayor of London and FirstBank UK, will host a Closing Reception to mark the conclusion of The Africa Debate 2026. This event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at The Crypt, Guildhall, London, commencing at 18:00. The reception aims to bring together delegates from The Africa Debate 2026, a leading platform for high-level discussions on Africa’s economic future, and participants from the London-Africa Business Forum.
Significance of the Reception
The Closing Reception serves as a pivotal moment for leaders across government, finance, and industry to reflect on the discussions of the day. It provides an opportunity to deepen connections and set the stage for ongoing dialogues in the days that follow. The event precedes the inaugural London-Africa Business Summit, which aims to explore economic opportunities between London and Africa.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has emphasized the importance of this summit, which builds on his trade mission to Africa in July 2025. During that mission, he visited Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to promote London as an investment destination. The summit is expected to attract entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and trade groups from all 54 African nations, with the goal of enhancing foreign direct investment and trade links with London.
Economic Context
Currently, Africa accounts for only 1.25% of foreign direct investment into London. The Mayor has identified strengthening ties with Africa as crucial for achieving London’s international trade ambitions and generating thousands of jobs in the future. The Closing Reception is designed to bridge The Africa Debate and the Mayor’s broader engagement agenda with the continent.
Notable Speakers
The event will feature remarks from Olukorede K.O. Adenowo, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank UK, and Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, who will represent the Mayor of London. The Africa Debate 2026 will convene over 800 senior leaders under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition.” This theme focuses on how African economies and their international partners can accelerate investment and enhance development outcomes in a rapidly changing global landscape.
H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will serve as the Guest of Honour, alongside ministerial keynotes and sessions covering trade, finance, energy, critical minerals, and digital transformation.
Statements from Leaders
Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, remarked that The Africa Debate has always aimed to build relationships that foster real investment and lasting impact. She noted that the Closing Reception, co-hosted with the Mayor of London and FirstBank UK, is a fitting conclusion to a day filled with ambitious discussions. Carrington emphasized the importance of creating genuine connections among leaders who are shaping Africa’s economic future.
Howard Dawber OBE highlighted London’s role as a global gateway for African businesses and investors. He pointed out that the Mayor’s trade mission was the first of its kind by any Mayor of London and underscored the significance of the upcoming London-Africa Business Summit in strengthening international trade and investment strategies.
Olukorede K.O. Adenowo expressed pride in co-hosting the Closing Reception with Invest Africa and the Mayor of London. He stated that FirstBank UK is committed to connecting Africa with global capital markets and emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships among senior leaders from various sectors to drive meaningful progress.
Invitation and Access
The Closing Reception is an invitation-only event, exclusively open to delegates of The Africa Debate 2026 and the London-Africa Business Forum.
For further details, please contact Fiona Hannig, Marketing & Communications Manager at Invest Africa, via email at fiona.hannig@investafrica.com or by phone at +44 2037 305 035.
About The Africa Debate
The Africa Debate is London’s premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 12th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy.
About Invest Africa
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over seventy years of experience in Africa, the organization provides trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Its network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs committed to building sustainable opportunities across Africa.
About FirstBank UK
FirstBank UK is the UK subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and most established financial institutions. With a history spanning over 130 years, FirstBank UK offers a wide range of financial services that connect African and international markets, supporting trade, investment, and economic development across the continent.
About the Mayor of London
For more information about the Mayor of London, visit London City Hall.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-29 21:09:00 • By the Editorial Desk
