The 2024 edition of the Africa Investment Summit (AFSIC) took place in London from October 7th to 9th, marking a significant moment for investment discussions focused on the African continent. Organized by Africa Events Limited (AEL), the event drew an impressive crowd of 1300 delegates, included 380 speakers, and was supported by 52 sponsors. Furthermore, the summit facilitated 4300 B2B meetings and saw the financing of 350 projects worth over 10 billion dollars in countries such as Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. The event also boasted over 27 media partners, 163 investors, and the participation of more than 30 countries, underscoring its global reach and impact. Notably, more than 55% of the delegates hailed from Africa, reflecting the summit’s critical importance for the continent’s investment landscape. Distinguished Speakers and Key Themes This year’s summit featured a lineup of influential personalities from various sectors who provided valuable insights into the investment opportunities and challenges in Africa. Notable speakers included: Shruti Chandrasekhar (IFC): Emphasized the necessity of supporting local entrepreneurs to foster sustainable economic growth. “Investment in Africa is crucial for sustainable economic development. We must continue to support local entrepreneurs and create job opportunities for the youth.” Olufunso Somorin (African Development Bank): Highlighted the essential collaboration between international investors and African businesses. “The collaboration between international investors and African businesses is key to success. Together, we can build a prosperous future for Africa.” Hossam Abou Moussa (Apis Partners): Focused on the social and environmental impact of investment projects. “Investment projects in Africa should be centered on social and environmental impact. We must invest in projects that benefit the community while being profitable.” Matt Robinson (British International Investment): Spoke about the pivotal role of innovation and technology in driving economic growth. “Innovation and technology are powerful drivers of economic growth in Africa. We need to encourage startups and small businesses to adopt advanced technological solutions.” Nashipae Leteipan (Mastercard Foundation): Stressed the importance of education and training. “Education and training are essential to prepare the African workforce for the challenges of the modern job market. We must invest in quality training programs.” Donald Kariuki (Norfund): Advocated for investments in renewable energy and agriculture. “Investments in renewable energy and agriculture are crucial for sustainable development in Africa. We must support projects that contribute to food security and carbon emission reduction.” Chris Wehbe (Lendable): Underlined the importance of transparency and good governance. “Transparency and good governance are key to attracting investors in Africa. We must work together to improve the business environment on the continent.” Randolph Oosthuizen (Old Mutual Investment Group): Discussed the necessity of public-private partnerships for infrastructure development. “Public-private partnerships are essential for the development of infrastructure in Africa. We must encourage governments to collaborate with the private sector to finance infrastructure projects.” John Mair (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development): Focused on the importance of investing in basic infrastructure. “Investment in basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports is crucial to stimulate economic growth in Africa. We must focus on projects that improve connectivity and competitiveness.” Michelle Patrick-Akinrinade (US International Development Finance Corporation): Stressed investments in health and education sectors. “Investments in health and education are essential to improve the well-being of African populations. We must support projects that bring tangible improvements in these areas.” Imran Patel (Verdant Capital): Highlighted the importance of diversifying investments. “Diversifying investments is important to reduce risks and maximize returns. We must explore new opportunities in various sectors and regions.” A Resounding Success AFSIC 2024 proved to be a resounding success, providing a dynamic platform for discussions, networking, and collaborations. The event strengthened the commitment towards economic development and sustainable growth in Africa, establishing robust connections between investors and entrepreneurs on the continent. The diverse range of topics discussed and the significant participation of key stakeholders underscored the summit’s vital role in shaping the future of African investment.Read More
The 29th edition of the Salon du Chocolat opened its doors to the public on October 30th at Porte de Versailles in Paris. This year’s event features innovative and diverse recipes, authentic demonstrations starting from the humble cocoa bean, and unimaginable chocolate-based shows and parades. With 60 countries showcasing their expertise, visitors of all backgrounds, especially chocolate enthusiasts, will find the event to be a celebration like no other, filled with a festive atmosphere and rich exchanges. A Chocolate Wonderland Chocolate like you’ve never seen it before. Whether shaped as hammers, princesses, or old-fashioned irons, every means is employed to captivate the numerous visitors at the Salon du Chocolat, which opened on October 30, 2024, at Porte de Versailles. For five days, acclaimed chefs, top-tier pastry chefs, exceptional confectioners, and cocoa producers will share tips, recipes, and culinary advice based on chocolate and its derivatives. They’ll even delve into the intrinsic knowledge of this well-known delicacy. A Treat for Every Taste and Budget Despite not being the most consumed food globally, dark chocolate, white chocolate, nougat, rum chocolate, and raspberry chocolate, to name a few, remain highly appreciated and accessible to all budgets at the Salon du Chocolat, delighting gourmets of all kinds. To be part of the chocolate extravaganza, one must budget between 8 to 42 euros, depending on whether you are a child, adult, or visiting as a family. Beyond Tasting: A Platform for Exchange The Salon du Chocolat is not just a tasting event. It is also a platform for exchanges and B2B interactions where attendees can also make great business deals.Read More
The National Mining Company of Cameroon (Sonamines) marks a step forward in the management of mineral resources by transferring 420 kg of gold to the public treasury. This transfer, corresponding...Read More
The Cameroonian government is planning a gradual decline in inflation to reach the community threshold of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) by 2026-2027. Although inflation has climbed...Read More
The BRICS 2024 Summit, held in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24, showcased significant discussions and resolutions aimed at bolstering multilateralism, economic development, and global security. This landmark event...Read More
The various documents of the 2025-2029 strategic plan of the National Commission for Transparency and Accountability in Public Finance Management (CNTR) were validated by the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the transparency code...Read More
During a meeting with the Minister of Mines, Gilles Nembe, the Collective of Quarry Operators, represented by Vanessa Ngabama, advocated for the creation of a special status for Gabonese operators....Read More
On 19 October 2024, Ecobank Cameroon celebrated “Ecobank Day” under the theme “Transforming Africa through Education: Boosting Learning with AI”. The day was marked by a panel discussion bringing together...Read More
Cameroonian telecommunications operator, Camtel, posted a record net profit of 11.1 billion FCFA in 2023, marking a turning point in its history with a dividend payment to the State, despite...Read More
In a remarkable return to MMA, Francis Ngannou delivered a breathtaking knockout against Renan Ferreira at the PFL: Battle of the Giants event in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. This victory, dedicated...Read More
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has planned a first disbursement for the Cameroon-Chad Electricity Grid Interconnection Project (Pirect) before the end of 2024, as part of a total financing of...Read More
Cameroonian hydrocarbon giant Tradex is preparing to invest in the Congolese market. This expansion is part of an ambitious development strategy that has already borne fruit in several countries in...Read More
Discussions between the Ministry of SMEs and the Cameroon Business Association (GECAM) resulted in the development of a joint roadmap for the two institutions, for the period 2024-2026, with a...Read More
The Airports Council International Africa (ACI-Africa) company opened, on October 14, in Brazzaville, with the support of Aérco (Aéroports du Congo), a special training course for African technicians in the...Read More