Themes
Held in the iconic Nelson Mandela Lecture Theatre the Oxford Africa Business Forum is home to captivating keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, and academic thought-pieces. The Forum serves as a nexus for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and scholars to explore innovative strategies, forge impactful partnerships, and address the continent's most pressing economic challenges. The event, themed "Africa's Growth Trajectory: Globalization vs. Domestic Collaboration," will focus on the critical decisions and pathways shaping Africa's economic future. As the continent’s markets and industries grow, leaders and stakeholders face a choice between deepening ties with global partners or prioritizing domestic and regional alliances. This theme will explore the impact of globalization on Africa's industries, workforce, and natural resources, alongside the potential of local collaboration to build sustainable economies, strengthen infrastructure, and nurture homegrown talent. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, participants will examine how these two approaches can serve Africa’s unique growth objectives, address pressing social and economic challenges, and ultimately empower the continent to thrive in an interconnected world.
Africa's Place in the Global Economy
Exploring Africa's evolving role within the global economy, analysing the continent’s contributions, challenges, and opportunities in international markets. We will address questions around Africa’s trade dynamics, investment flows, and the strategic positioning required to enhance competitiveness on the world stage. We aim to identify actionable insights that empower African nations to shape a future where they are not just participants but leaders in the global economic landscape.
Technological Innovation and Global Integration
Exploring the transformative role of technology in Africa’s journey toward deeper global integration. As digital innovation reshapes industries across the continent, African nations are pioneering solutions in fintech, health tech, agritech, and beyond, driving growth and expanding market access. However, as technology connects Africa to the global economy, it also raises questions about infrastructure, data sovereignty, and the balance between local adaptation and global alignment. We will discuss how Africa can leverage technological innovation to strengthen its global position, drive inclusive growth, and shape a uniquely African path in the digital era.
Strength in Unity: The Power of African Domestic Collaboration and Regional Integration
Exploring how increased collaboration and regional integration can empower African nations to achieve shared prosperity and resilience. As global dynamics shift, Africa’s potential to build strong, self-sustaining economies lies in partnerships within the continent. From the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to cross-border infrastructure projects and collective innovation hubs, the opportunities for unity are vast. 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.
Foreign Investment and African Development: A Double-Edged Sword
Examining the complex impact of foreign investment on African development, weighing the benefits against the potential pitfalls. Foreign capital brings essential resources, infrastructure development, and job creation, accelerating growth across many African nations. However, it also raises concerns about economic dependency, profit repatriation, and the influence of external interests on local policies. We will explore how African countries can harness foreign investment to drive sustainable progress, protect national interests, and foster equitable development.
Africa's Homegrown Innovation: Scaling Local Solutions
Celebrating and examining the power of African ingenuity in addressing local challenges with globally relevant solutions. Africa’s innovators are creating transformative advancements in areas like fintech, healthcare, renewable energy, and agriculture—solutions uniquely adapted to the continent's needs and opportunities. However, scaling these innovations to have broader impact requires overcoming barriers related to funding, infrastructure, and market access. 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.
Globalization: Opportunity or Dependency?
Delving into the complex impact of globalization on Africa’s development, asking a key question: Is globalization an opportunity for growth or a pathway to dependency? As African nations increasingly engage with global markets, they gain access to new capital, technology, and partnerships, yet also face challenges of economic dependence, unequal trade relationships, and vulnerability to external shocks. Addressing how to strike a balance that maximizes opportunity while safeguarding economic sovereignty we will provide insights on building resilient, self-sustaining economies within a globalized framework.
Financing African Growth from Within
Explores strategies for fuelling African growth through domestic financing and sustainable, homegrown investment models. While foreign investment has long played a role in Africa’s development, there is growing momentum toward mobilizing local resources—from strengthening capital markets and promoting African-owned businesses to harnessing diaspora remittances and encouraging public-private partnerships. 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.
Fashion, Music and Sport as a Catalyst for growth?
Delve into the powerful role of Africa’s vibrant fashion, music, and sports industries in driving economic growth and shaping global cultural influence. As pillars of African creativity and identity, these sectors not only generate significant revenue and job opportunities locally but also elevate Africa’s cultural footprint worldwide. Through the lens of entrepreneurs, artists, and industry leaders, we’ll explore how investing in these creative and athletic industries can stimulate local economies, empower young talent, and foster a distinct African brand on the global stage.