Invest Africa and UK Government Forge Strategic Partnership Ahead of The Africa Debate 2025

Invest Africa, the premier platform advancing trade and investment across the African continent, has announced a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom Government for the upcoming 11th edition of The Africa Debate, set to take place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at London’s historic Guildhall.

Now in its 11th year, The Africa Debate is the UK’s foremost forum for high-level discussions on Africa’s economic future. This year’s gathering will bring together over 500 senior decision-makers from government, finance, and industry to explore the theme “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth.” The discussions will focus on how African countries can unlock the full potential of their natural assets — from minerals and biodiversity to human capital — to create competitive industries, strengthen regional value chains, and drive inclusive, sustainable progress.

This year's event comes at a pivotal time, following the formation of a new UK Government with a renewed foreign policy focus on trade, investment, and deepening strategic relationships with Africa.

According to the Rt Hon. the Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, “The UK recognises the critical role Africa plays in the global economy and in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future. We are proud to support The Africa Debate as a strategic platform to deepen trade and investment ties with African partners and boost mutual economic growth between our countries. Our ambition in our new approach to Africa is to support the scale-up of transformative green growth across the continent – and the UK stands ready to be a long-term, trusted partner in that journey.”

Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, welcomed the partnership as a timely opportunity to strengthen economic collaboration between the UK and the continent.

“Our collaboration with the UK Government is a major milestone for The Africa Debate. With a new administration in place, this is a crucial opportunity to shape a modern and meaningful UK-Africa relationship centred on mutual benefit. As African economies focus on industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable investment, we are proud to offer a platform that connects the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential,” saidd Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa.

The 2025 agenda features high-profile keynotes from heads of state and ministers, as well as targeted plenaries and side sessions. This year’s conversations will explore how Africa can turn natural capital into long-term economic value by integrating sustainable finance, industrial policy, and digital innovation.

The strategic partnership with the UK Government underscores a shared commitment to building future-focused, resilient economic ties — mobilising large-scale investment, fostering inclusive growth, and addressing shared global challenges through African-led solutions.