The Financial Times hosted its inaugural FT Africa Summit in London this week. FT editor Lionel Barber and Africa editor Javier Blas chaired the event, sub-titled ‘Consolidating the Continent’s Rise’. It featured keynote presentations and high-level panels involving finance ministers, investors and business leaders with an interest in Africa. More than 275 delegates gathered at Claridge’s Hotel to discuss the issues affecting this rapidly developing region as it cements its position in the global economy.
Lionel Barber said: “Africa has become a magnet for international investors and has a vibrant business and financial markets sector. The FT has a dedicated team of journalists working from four bureaux across the continent and our new Africa Summit demonstrates our commitment to covering this important region, giving a platform to the leaders who are driving the rise of Africa’s economic power.”
The distinguished speakers included:
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy & Minister of Finance, Nigeria
- R S Dabengwa, Group President & CEO, MTN Group
- Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited
- Albert Essien, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group
- Ivan Glasenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Glencore
- Donald Kaberuka, President, African Development Bank
- Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder, Econet Wireless
- Bernard Mensah, Managing Director, Global Head of Emerging Markets Trading, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Julian Roberts, Group Chief Executive, Old Mutual plc
- Vimal Shah, Group CEO, Bidco Group
- Cristina Stenbeck, Executive Chairman, Investment AB Kinnevik; Chairman, Millicom International Cellular
- Tidjane Thiam, Group Chief Executive, Prudential plc
- Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando
- Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank
A special report in the Financial Times, The New Africa, accompanied the conference.
Official photos of the event can be found here.