The Financial Times has confirmed that its 12th FT Africa Summit will take place on 21–22 October 2025 at The Peninsula, London, with a focus on how African nations are adapting to a volatile global order and redefining their role in world trade and diplomacy.

Under the theme “Africa in a Changing World,” the summit will bring together African Heads of State, policymakers, CEOs, investors, and emerging entrepreneurs to discuss the continent’s response to geopolitical uncertainty, economic disruption, and technological transformation.

Confirmed speakers include Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer of Sierra Leone; Vera Daves de Sousa, Angola’s Minister of Finance; Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of Infinity Power; and Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President Africa, TotalEnergies. Other ministers and business leaders from Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Kenya, and Senegal will also participate.

This year’s discussions will be shaped by the global impact of US foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s second term, particularly its disruption of long-standing trade arrangements. Analysts warn that tariffs on countries like Lesotho could destabilise smaller African economies, while a shift towards trade and investment over aid may create new openings for strategic partnerships.

Sessions will also explore policy reforms in Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa; the role of fintech, AI, and digital infrastructure in accelerating growth; Africa’s industrial and renewable energy transition; and the impact of youth-led entrepreneurship on sustainable development.

FT Africa editor David Pilling said the event will “examine Africa’s role in a rapidly changing world,” while FT foreign editor Alec Russell noted that it comes ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 in November, offering “a forum for candid dialogue on Africa’s geopolitical challenges and the quest for investment and innovation.”

Organised in London, the summit has become a bridge between Africa and global stakeholders, offering direct engagement with investors, development partners, and international institutions. Delegates can register or apply for media accreditation via africa.live.ft.com