On 8th – 12th March 2020, African and commonwealth stakeholders, including decision-makers and business leaders will come together in London for the 7th Edition of the Commonwealth Africa Summit, the not-to-miss rendez-vous for Africans and friends of Africa interested in the continent’s growth and prosperity.
The Summit has become a unique blend annual event that covers all aspect of Africa’s development modules. It combines a full programme of plenary sessions with an extensive Exhibition of some of the latest solutions and innovations Africa needs, while providing ample high-level opportunities for networking.
Since 2014, we have brought together large delegations from Africa to celebrate the Commonwealth Day/Week and to participate in the Commonwealth Day Observance Activities – in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen at the Westminster Abbey. In 2015, we built on the successes of the past years, moving from a celebratory event to a Summit that addresses the threat of terrorism and the challenges of economic growth and stability. We brought leaders from Africa face to face with UK experts, politicians and private sector CEOs who offered solutions and partnership. In 2016, we put together an unparalleled series of events that, in just under a week, connected top government ministers, counter-terrorism chiefs, investors and business leaders from around the Commonwealth. From 2017 – 2019, we grew to become a truly global event where international development experts and policy makers share their strategic vision Africa, exchange best practices and network.
In 2020, we aim to give our attendees an unforgettable experience. During the days you spend in London, you will interact with public and private leaders from across the Commonwealth and see how other countries are fostering prosperity and security in their homelands. We will also enable opportunities for private dialogue throughout your stay.
As Africa’s economies seek to diversify and become ever more sophisticated players, we will organize a City of London event with fund managers including hedge funds as well as private equity specialists and leading figures in the banking sector. These people want to access opportunities in infrastructure, IT, telecoms, transport, health and education in Africa and London is one of the greatest financial centers on the planet, so we hope deals will be struck.
Further, before we delve into the 2 full day working session of the Summit plus the Gala Dinner, some of our VIP guest will have the opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Day Wreath Laying Ceremony usually attended by the Commonwealth Secretary General. Some will also have the great honor to sit in pride of place in Westminster Abbey as Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family lead the world in a celebration of our great Commonwealth of Nations.
We look forward to meeting all of you and ensuring you have a pleasurable and productive stay in London.
With delegates representing all corners of the Commonwealth … annual Commonwealth Africa Summit offers a superb opportunity to create a solid base from which the Commonwealth economies in not only Africa but also Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the Americas and the British Isles as one can unite to promote trade, economic development and co-operation across all members of our international and diverse Commonwealth family. – The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Member of Parliament for Witham, (now UK Home Secretary)
