The 8th Africa Summit – London 2023

THEME: Realigning Africa’s Trade & Investment Partnerships

Event Brief

As the wave of rivalries and strategic shifts between major economies and their allies have become intense, Africa now have a better opportunity to rack up a more beneficial diplomatic and economic cooperation and partnerships. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the power struggle between the US, Europe, China and Russia particularly and increasingly, and at intensifying pace, involves the expansion of influence in economic and diplomatic ties with Africa. Experts and pundits have therefore opined that a realignment of Africa’s trade and investment partnership strategies is necessary to raise the geostrategic profile of the continent to advance the region’s broad-based economic interest, globally.

Organised by the African Leadership Magazine, the 8th Edition of The Africa Summit – London 2023 would feature a series of conversations on the future of African trade, as well as showcase Africa’s business and investment opportunities to the rest of the world. The summit will bring together Policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders and all stakeholders in Europe, the US, and Africa to discuss issues that would prepare the private sector leaders for a more integrated and competitive African trade environment.

Forum On Free Trade Zones Administration

THEME: The Future of Free Trade Zones Administration and Operation.

Rationale

For economies seeking to foster their trade volumes, the strategic management of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) can significantly impact the economy’s overall trade performance and boost economic development. Acting as a one-stop service for timely and accurate collection of FTZ operation and security information, FTZ Management improves competitiveness by enhancing operational efficiency. Stakeholders stay abreast of market demands and competition with precise communication and improved transit operation data submission.

The Forum on Free Trade Zones Administration – Mauritius 2023 has a critical component that involves each participant’s reflection on personal and professional experiences and sharing these examples in class sessions. As such, the participants will have a better understanding of the approach to meeting the regulatory obligations of the day-to-day administration responsibilities, either being performed by internal or outsourced personnel—or a combination of both. The training content will teach participants industry best practices, share benchmarking knowledge and help create a first-class FTZ operation.

Public Sector Accounting Standards & Budgeting Forum 2023

THEME: The Future of Public Sector Accounting & Financial Reporting

Rationale

Following the success of the inaugural edition, which was held at the Shangri La Hotel, Dubai – United Arab Emirates, from June 19 – 25, 2022, the African Leadership Organisation is thrilled to put together the second edition of the on Public Sector Accounting Standards & Budgeting Forum  as another exceptional opportunity for exchange of ideas, discussions of critical issues, building connections and gaining insights from the unique experiences and expertise of financial and accounting professionals in the public sector.

The Public Sector Accounting Standards & Budgeting Forum is designed to be an invaluable refresher course for finance professionals in the public sector, and useful practical coursework for non-financial managers. This training course would provide up-to-date and detailed knowledge of public sector accounting with special emphasis on IPSAS, as well as practical skills in the preparation and interpretation of public sector financial statements and budgets. The curriculum of the programme would incorporate a vital update on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) standards and recent developments on the reasons and approaches to New Public Financial Management.

The course will be led by expert trainers and facilitators, with a wealth of extensive professional experience who will bring fresh perspectives to the subject matter which will be delivered dynamically and innovatively. This training course will be structured as a highly participative workshop; classroom sessions with formal presentations by a highly competent trainer; case studies, interactive worked examples, and relevant case studies will be provided to illustrate and apply each of the topics covered.

Roundtable on African Political Leadership 2023

THEME: Collaborative Political Leadership For Leapfroging Africa’s Development

Rationale

Following multiple African stakeholders meetings, such as the UK – Africa Investment Summit, the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, the New Africa-France Summit, among others, much is left to be ironed out on moving the continent forward through collaboration and network building. The Africa Union Agenda 2063 captures seven broad themes that align with the global mandate for sustainable development. However, ten years into implementing this agenda, African nations still struggle to meet targets in infrastructure building, peace and security and institutional reforms. As countries continue to rebuild economic stability post-COVID 19, it is important to propose a more proactive strategy for African nations to meet global and local targets through preparedness and a people-entered approach.

Historical representation of the African continent highlights the need for precision in action moving forward through well though collaborative action over the next decade that ensures stable institutions and progressive leadership. As African leaders continue to grapple with issues of trade, conflict, health and politics, a unified approach that highlights fostering bi/multi-lateral relations should be encouraged to promote efficient utilization of human and land resources, as well as accelerate Africa’s sustainability.