09:00 | Welcome Address
09:15 | Keynote Address: Global Politics in a Time of Accelerated Change
In a globalised world, the Covid-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its scope. Few countries have been spared the deep health, social and economic impact of the crisis but a significant divergence in resources to respond is now clear. The global reach of the crisis has exposed profound inequalities, calling into question social contracts nationally and internationally. Our political opening will unpack the major trends to look out for and how Africa might fare in a changing geopolitical landscape.
09:50 | Keynote Address: A Global Response to a Global Crisis
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global crisis that calls for a unified global response. Without tackling the spread of the virus in all parts of the world, any recovery will continue to be threatened by new surges. Whilst richer nations have forged ahead with vaccine rollouts, Africa is in danger of being left behind. With less than 2% of the Continent’s population fully vaccinated, accelerating the rollout will be the essential to recovery. In this session we hear from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO on what can be done to coordinate a global strategy to vaccines.
10:00 Chairman’s Remarks
10:05 I Keynote Address
10:30 I Morning Break
10:50 | A Look Back - Fireside Chat with Emma Wade-Smith & Karen Taylor
Karen Taylor will be joined by Emma Wade-Smith OBE, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Africa, Department for International, as they look back at Emma's time spearheading the UK's DIT Africa strategy and future plans for the department.
11:05 I An AfCFTA Update
11:15 I Debate: The ‘Great Reset’: Setting Africa on a New Path
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has warned that Covid-19 could set Africa back two to five years. While the global economy is set to grow faster than it has in the last four decades, Africa’s growth projections continue to be lower than pre-pandemic levels. Uneven access to vaccines and deep inequalities in the global economy have contributed to this two-speed recovery. As Covid-19 has exposed profound weaknesses in Africa’s economic and social structures, leaders now face the challenge of building a recovery that can set Africa on a different path. The ambition of the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to offer a means to boost Africa’s value-addition, create jobs and stimulate growth. Meanwhile confronting the climate crisis will be essential to any ‘Great Reset’ aiming to build long-term prosperity and stability. In this session, Africa’s leaders will reflect on how the Continent can learn the lessons of the pandemic and take the opportunity to reshape Africa’s economies for a more sustainable future.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Prof Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank
Sérgio Pimenta, Regional Vice President for Africa, IFC
12:30 | Exclusive Interview with H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, chaired by Rob Hersov, Chairman, Invest Africa
13:00 | Lunch Break
13:45 | Debate: What Role Should the Private Sector Play in Tackling the Climate Crisis?
The African Continent is particularly vulnerable to climate change. By 2050, temperatures in North and Southern Africa are set to rise by as much as 3.5C from pre-industrial levels, increasing the probability of both drought and extreme weather events. On this trajectory 100 million people are expected to fall into extreme poverty in the next ten years. Conversely, the green economy also represents significant growth and employment opportunities. This session will focus on climate smart investment in Africa across energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa Investments
Prof. Anthony Okon Nyong, Director, Climate Change & Green Growth, AfDB
Venkataramani Srivathsan, Managing Director & CEO Africa & Middle East, Olam
14:45 | Debate: Sustainable Finance Solutions: Generating Economic Growth and Social Inclusion
The private sector has a critical role to play in building African economies and offering sustainable pathways to prosperity. As the Continent looks to create jobs and return to growth, sustainable finance is key to ensuring Africa’s economic recovery aligns with social development goals. Innovative financial instruments, particularly blended finance, have an essential role to play in leveraging international investment to support financial inclusion and the green transition. It is firmly in the interest of businesses to contribute to the wealth, health and development of the communities they operate in. In this session we will explore how African businesses can support capacity development, financial inclusion and social programmes to shape well equipped and inclusive workforces.
Moderator:
Speakers:
15:45 I Afternoon Break
16:00 | Debate: Are Environmental, Social and Governance Policies a Priority for the Investor Ecosystem in Africa?
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has been rapidly moving up the agenda for businesses globally with clear ESG metrics now a critical aspect of fundraising. As global investors demand that African companies meet ever more stringent targets, we will be asking how businesses can fulfil local needs whilst meeting international standards. Robust governance and compliance procedures are an essential pillar of risk mitigation in African markets, allowing investors to commit with confidence. In this session, panellists will discuss best practice in compliance and corporate governance for companies in Africa, the impact of new technologies in streamlining processes and improving analytics and the role of good governance in promoting Africa as a strong investment destination.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Arjun Malik, Eastern & Central Africa Region CEO, Prudential Plc
Rufaro Mucheka, Business Development Consultant - Africa, Jersey Finance
Philippe Vogeleer, Global Head of Business Development, Vodafone
17:00 | Debate: Increased Capital Flows: How to leverage Global Finance for Africa?
It is estimated that Africa’s investment needs over the next decade will sit at approximately $750 billion. The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis have further widened the gap between developed and developing nations. Despite this, there continue to be significant pools of capital available in the global capital markets seeking new opportunities. Increased investor appetite for African trade and investment projects are coming from new players such as Japan, Turkey, India as well as US pension funds and bold trade development partnerships from France and Spain in recent months. Among more traditional asset classes such as private equity and DFIs, there has been a rise in Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles (SPACS), philanthropic and family office investing.
During this session, we will hear from the investor landscape spanning these investment asset classes to discuss where they see opportunities for growth, and why Africa deserves to compete for global finance on the international stage.
Moderator:
Speakers:
18:00 | Closing Remarks