The 13th edition of the Financial Times’ flagship FT Africa Summit is set to take place on 21-22 October 2026 at The Landmark in London, with a focus on “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order.”
This year’s event will bring together African heads of state, policymakers, chief executives, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss how the continent can sustain its growth trajectory amid shifting trade alliances and technological change.
The summit comes at a time when African governments and businesses face tighter development finance and growing pressure to mobilise domestic capital to support long-term economic development.
A key focus of the summit will be how African economies can unlock local sources of capital to finance infrastructure and long-term growth, with discussions examining the evolving role of development finance institutions.
Strengthening financial self-reliance is essential as countries seek to reduce exposure to changing international financing conditions.
The summit will explore how shifting global trade relationships affect Africa’s economic engagement with major markets, including changes in US tariff policy and the approaching expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
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African governments and businesses are prompted to deepen regional trade and strengthen relationships with the Gulf, China, India, and other international markets.
This shift is expected to have a significant impact on Africa’s economic development, with the continent’s rapidly urbanising cities presenting both opportunities and challenges.
Industrialisation and infrastructure 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 considers the continent’s demographic transformation and the opportunities associated with it, including the role of digital infrastructure and innovation and technology in improving productivity and supporting economic growth.
Energy and critical minerals are among the major topics under discussion, with the programme examining how African countries can capture greater value from their natural resources through investment, domestic processing and stronger local industries.
The 2026 speaker line-up includes Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group; Macky Sall, Former President of Senegal; and Baroness Jennifer Chapman, Minister of State (International Development and Africa), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom.
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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.
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.
As the continent handles a major shift in the global economic order, the summit provides a forum for discussion around investment, trade, and innovation as new alliances emerge.
London’s position as a global centre for finance and international affairs makes it a natural meeting point for African and international stakeholders.
The FT Africa Summit aims to connect perspectives from across the continent with wider discussions on capital, trade, and international partnerships.
Those interested in attending or applying for media accreditation can find further information on the official Financial Times Africa Summit website.
