Nairobi is set to host the inaugural Africa Summit from April 9 to 11, 2025, aimed at boosting trade, investment, and sustainable growth across the continent. Organized by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the summit will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The event is expected to attract over 4,500 participants, including African Heads of State and Government, 500 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), 350 entrepreneurs, and global investors from more than 70 countries.
The summit will highlight Africa’s potential to become a global trade leader, with a focus on enhancing intra-African trade and regional integration. KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that deeper economic integration could boost African trade by $150 billion annually by 2030. This summit presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate Africa’s readiness to integrate seamlessly into global value chains, enhancing trade efficiency and driving innovation.
The event will also prioritize empowering SMEs by providing them with access to global markets, funding, and mentorship. It will feature discussions on advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the role of technology in solving local challenges, and promoting public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for impactful economic development.
With a focus on sustainability, youth, and gender inclusion, the summit will aim to empower Africa’s 830 million youth and underrepresented women entrepreneurs. It aligns with Africa’s need for $130–$170 billion annually in infrastructure investments and is projected to drive $316 billion in GDP growth by 2025.
The Africa Summit will serve as a platform to showcase Africa’s capacity for self-driven solutions, positioning the continent as a hub for sustainable growth and global trade. The event is expected to generate over Sh1 billion in investment commitments and will be a key milestone in shaping Africa’s economic future on the global stage.
