13th edition of Financial Times flagship Africa Summit will bring together policymakers, investors and business leaders in London on 21–22 October
The Financial Times has announced the 13th edition of its flagship FT Africa Summit, taking place on 21–22 October 2026 at The Landmark in London under the theme “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order.”
The summit will bring together African heads of state, policymakers, chief executives, investors and entrepreneurs to examine how the continent can sustain its growth trajectory amid shifting trade alliances, technological change and a changing global economic landscape.
The 2026 event comes at a time when African governments and businesses are facing tighter development finance, changing trade relationships and growing pressure to mobilise domestic capital to support long-term economic development.
Mobilising Domestic Capital
A key focus of the summit will be how African economies can unlock local sources of capital to finance infrastructure and long-term growth.
Discussions will examine the evolving role of development finance institutions and the need to strengthen financial self-reliance as countries seek to reduce exposure to changing international financing conditions.
Trade in a Changing Global Order
The summit will also explore how shifting global trade relationships are affecting Africa’s economic engagement with major markets.
Changes in US tariff policy and the approaching expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act are prompting African governments and businesses to deepen regional trade and strengthen relationships with the Gulf, China, India and other international markets.
Industrialisation and Infrastructure
Industrialisation and infrastructure will form another central part of the programme, with discussions focused on the investment and capacity required to strengthen African value chains, expand manufacturing and create jobs.
The summit will also consider the continent’s rapidly urbanising cities and the opportunities and challenges associated with Africa’s demographic transformation.
Energy, Critical Minerals and Technology
Energy and critical minerals will be among the other major topics under discussion. The programme will examine how African countries can capture greater value from their natural resources through investment, domestic processing and stronger local industries.
Technology and the digital economy will also feature prominently, with speakers examining the role of digital infrastructure, innovation and technology in improving productivity and supporting economic growth.
The summit will additionally explore major offshore energy discoveries, critical minerals diplomacy and the opportunities created by the expansion of Africa’s digital economy.
High-Level Speakers
The 2026 speaker line-up includes Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group; Macky Sall, Former President of Senegal; Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of Tanzania; Baroness Jennifer Chapman, Minister of State (International Development and Africa), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom; Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria; and Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of Ethiopia.
They will be joined by ministers, business leaders, investors and other senior figures from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The discussions will be facilitated by senior editors from the Financial Times and will cover geopolitics, finance, energy, infrastructure, trade, technology and investment.
FT Africa editor David Pilling said the summit brings together leaders, investors and innovators shaping the continent’s economic future, with this year’s agenda examining how governments and businesses can mobilise the capital, infrastructure and partnerships needed to translate economic growth into lasting progress.
FT foreign editor Alec Russell said Africa is navigating a major shift in the global economic order, with the summit providing a forum for discussion around investment, trade and innovation as new alliances emerge.
London as a Meeting Point for African and Global Business
The Financial Times said London’s position as a global centre for finance and international affairs makes it a natural meeting point for African and international stakeholders.
By bringing together policymakers, investors, development institutions and business leaders, the FT Africa Summit aims to connect perspectives from across the continent with wider discussions on capital, trade and international partnerships.
The FT Africa Summit 2026 will take place on 21–22 October 2026 at The Landmark in London.
Those interested in attending or applying for media accreditation can find further information on the official Financial Times Africa Summit website.
Source: Financial Times / LSF PR