A celebratory evening featuring live music by KiDi, networking, and entertainment—bringing together Forum attendees in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

As the curtains draw on the Oxford Africa Business Forum, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we, the African student community, stand before you to deliver the closing address. Throughout this transformative event, we have witnessed the power of collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and the limitless potential that lies within our collective vision for the future. As the senior leadership team at Saïd Business School bid farewell to this remarkable gathering, let this not be the end but a call to action. Let us carry forward the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. Let us be the architects of the future we want to see – a future where Africa's potential is fully realized, where opportunities abound, and where every voice is heard.

From Afrobeats dominating international charts to African designers showcasing on global runways, these creativesectors are shaping perceptions of the continent and attracting investment. This session will explore how theseindustries can be leveraged to enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

• KiDi, Ghanaian singer-songwriter

• Adebayo Okelawal, CEO and Creative Director, Orange culture

• Kenneth Kofi Owusu, Oxford MBA Candidate

As Africa seeks sustainable economic growth, regional integration has emerged as a critical pathway to unlockingtrade, investment, and industrialization. This panel will explore the effectiveness of regional trade blocs, and cross-border infrastructure projects in driving economic transformation.

• Aishah Ahmad, Global Financial & Policy Adviser, LMFI Group

• Dayo Okusami, Partner, Templars

• Mansa Nettey, CEO, Standard Chartered Ghana

• Forghab Prince, Oxford MPP Candidate

Fuel your professional connections over a networking break, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and establish contacts that may shape your future endeavours.

Hands-on fireside chat examining Africa’s tech start-ups, innovation hubs, and how globalization fosters technology transfer and economic modernization. Exploring the transformative role of technology in Africa’s journey toward deeper global integration.

• Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, Meta

• Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman, Country Lead Ghana, Paystack

• Rashid Abdalla, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs

• Laurinda Tchouanga, Co-Director, Oxford Africa Business Forum & Oxford MBA Candidate

Africa’s sports industry is more than just competition—it’s a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and global recognition. This keynote session with Didier Drogba will explore how sports serve as a strategic tool for enhancing Africa’s global reputation while fostering economic development and will discuss the role of sports in attracting investments, building local industries, and shaping Africa’s brand on the world stage.

• Didier Drogba, President, Didier Drogba Foundation

• Christian Amouo, Co-Director, Oxford Africa Business Forum

A cultural moment during a networking lunch to showcase Africa’s rich artistic heritage, reminding us of the creative industries' role in economic growth.

The Dr Samuel Boateng and Eve Boulos Jazz Duo are excited to share their musical talents with the attendees of the Oxford Africa Business Forum during the networking lunch.

Celebrating and examining the power of African ingenuity in addressing local challenges with globally relevant solutions. We will discuss how to elevate Africa’s homegrown solutions, foster supportive ecosystems, and scale locally-driven innovations to empower communities, and fuel economic growth.

• Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman, KGL Group of Companies LTD

• Kenfield Griffith, CEO, Tappi

• Rebecca Enonchong, Founder & CEO, Appstech

• Jesse Opoku-Asiedu, Co-Head of Outreach, Oxford Africa Business Alliance

Exploring Africa's evolving role within the global economy, analysing the continent’s contributions, challenges, andopportunities in international markets. We aim to identify actionable insights that empower African nations to shape afuture where they are not just participants but leaders in the global economic landscape.

• Dorothy Nyambi, CEO, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

• Elsa Zekeng, CEO, Soker Data

• Miriam Atuya, Oxford MBA Candidate

As we gather on this illustrious stage in the Nelson Mandel Lecture Theatre, we embark on a journey of discovery, collaboration, and innovation in the heart of academia. Hear from our Dean of Saïd Business School, and the Co-directors of the Oxford Africa Business Forum as they outline how as a community of students, alumni, faculty and staff we are working together to drive our Africa initiative.

Welcome to day 2 of the Oxford Africa Business Forum! We are thrilled to have you join us for a two-day forum of discovery and collaboration. To ensure a smooth start to your experience, please make your way to the arrival registration area. This is your first step towards an exciting day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Let the adventure begin – see you at the arrival registration desk

Held at Balliol College our full package ticket gives you access to be part of this exclusive Gala dinner and opening drinks reception, the cornerstone event of the Oxford Africa Business Forum. This formal affair offers a unique and intimate platform for networking with industry leaders who will be speaking at the two-day conference. The night also features a taste of the continent, with live African music, dinner and drinks. Space is very limited and tickets are for the Gala dinner. 

As the curtains draw on day 1 of the Oxford Africa Business Forum, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we, the African student community, stand before you to deliver the closing address.

This panel will explore how public-private partnerships, regional collaboration, and innovative financing models can bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap. We will highlight best practices for mobilizing capital, leveraging technology, and fostering cross-sector cooperation to build resilient and future-ready infrastructure.

• Ayodele Abioye, Managing Director, BUA Foods (BUA Group)

• Kisseih Antonio, Managing Director, Sentinel Asset Management

• Yaw Appiah Lartey, Partner and Africa Leader, Infrastructure and Capital Projects (I&CP), Deloitte

• Daniel Armanios, BT Professor of Major Programme Management, Saïd Business School

Fuel your professional connections over a networking break, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and establish contacts that may shape your future endeavours.

Exploring strategies for fuelling African growth through domestic financing and sustainable, homegrown investment models. We will discuss how Africa can build resilient financial systems that support long term growth, reduce dependency, and empower the continent to invest in its own future.

• Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder and CEO, Aruwa Capital Management

• David Awuah-Darko, Executive Chairman, IC Group

• Henry Odogwu, Managing Director, Head of UK Defined Benefit Sales, BlackRock

• Vish Ashiagbor, Country Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers (Ghana) LTD

• Obi Chinomnso, Oxford MBA Candidate

Examining the complex impact of private sector investments on Africa's growth, weighing the benefits against the potential pitfalls. We will explore how African countries can harness foreign investment to drive sustainable progress, protect national interests, and foster equitable development.

• Andrea Heinzer, Managing Partner & Founder, Omnia Impact Advisors

• Franklin Amoo, Managing Partner, Baylis Emerging Markets

• Jitendra Mistry, Executive Director - Head of Sub Sahara Africa Debt Capital Markets, J.P. Morgan

• Tidjane Deme, General Partner, Partech

• Johnny Dewan, Vice President, Defined & Oxford MBA Candidate

Development finance plays a crucial role in fuelling Africa’s economic transformation. This session will examine the opportunities and challenges of development finance, exploring how African governments, businesses, and institutions can leverage these funds to drive inclusive and self-sustaining economic progress.

• Andrew Brown, Chief Investment Officer (Funds & Equity), British International Investment plc

• Begna Gebreyes, Head Of Heavy Industries, Telecoms & Technology, Africa Finance Corporation

• Francis Malige, Managing Director, Financial Institutions, EBRD

• Eric Kouevi, Founder & MD, Dzifa & Co, and Diploma in Financial Strategy, Saïd Business School

A cultural moment during a networking lunch to showcase Africa’s rich artistic heritage, reminding us of the creative industries' role in economic growth.

The Dr Samuel Boateng and Eve Boulos Jazz Duo are excited to share their musical talents with the attendees of the Oxford Africa Business Forum during the networking lunch.

Should Africa deepen ties with global markets or focus on intra-continental trade and self-sufficiency? This keynote session will explore the benefits and trade-offs of both approaches, analyzing their impact on economic growth, industrialization, job creation, and resilience.

• Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group

• Aisha Raheem, Founder & CEO, Farmz2U, & Co-Chair, Oxford Africa Business Alliance

Exploring how increased collaboration and regional integration can empower African nations to achieve shared prosperity and resilience. We will discuss the impact of regional alliances on trade, job creation, and technological advancement, highlighting how working together can create a more robust and influential Africa on the world stage.

• Governor Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State, Nigeria

• Arunma Oteh, Executive-in-residence, Saïd Business School

• Dr. Sena Dei-Tutu, Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana Law School

• Surayyah Ahmad, Founding Partner, Sabou Capital, & Co-Chair, Oxford Africa Business Alliance

A keynote in-conversation session with the Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Hague, offering strategic insights on collaboration, mutual growth, and the role of education and innovation in strengthening ties.

• Lord Hague, Chancellor, University of Oxford

• Prof Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean, Saïd Business School

Prof Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School open’s this year’s Oxford Africa Business Forum on the illustrious stage in the Nelson Mandel Lecture Theatre. Join us we embark on a journey of discovery, collaboration, and innovation in the heart of academia.

Welcome to the Oxford Africa Business Forum! We are thrilled to have you join us for a two-day forum of discovery and collaboration. To ensure a smooth start to your experience, please make your way to the arrival registration area. This is your first step towards an exciting day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Let the adventure begin – see you at the arrival registration desk