In a Changing World: FT Africa Summit 2025 to Explore the Future of Digital Transformation and Innovation Across the Continent
The Financial Times has announced the 12th edition of its flagship FT Africa Summit, set to take place on October 21–22, 2025, at The Peninsula London under the theme “Africa in a Changing World.”
The high-profile gathering will bring together African heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, investors, and next-generation entrepreneurs to discuss the continent’s evolving role amid global economic, technological, and geopolitical shifts.
Key Speakers and Agenda
Confirmed speakers include Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa; David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister and Minister of Innovation of Sierra Leone; Vera Daves de Sousa, Minister of Finance of Angola; Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of Infinity Power; and Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa at TotalEnergies, alongside senior officials and executives from South Africa, Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Kenya, and Senegal.
Africa at a Crossroads
The 2025 summit comes at a pivotal moment, as Africa navigates a rapidly changing global landscape marked by shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s second term and a growing re-evaluation of the world’s trading systems. These developments are creating both challenges and opportunities for African economies.
Organizers highlighted Lesotho’s tariff-driven economic crisis as a stark reminder of the continent’s vulnerabilities. However, experts point to emerging opportunities amid global competition for critical minerals, clean energy resources, and regional supply chain integration.
Innovation as the Engine of Growth
This year’s discussions will also focus on political reforms in Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa, as well as rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital infrastructure. The summit will explore how innovation can serve as a catalyst for transforming African economies and achieving sustainable growth.
Key topics include renewable energy transition, industrial expansion, and the growing influence of young entrepreneurs driving Africa’s digital and economic transformation.
A Global Platform for Dialogue
Moderated by Financial Times editors, the summit’s sessions will span a wide range of themes, including geopolitics, technology, energy, infrastructure, trade, investment, and finance.
David Pilling, Africa Editor at the Financial Times, said:
> “Now in its twelfth year, the FT Africa Summit continues to provide a vital platform for exploring Africa’s place in a rapidly changing world. This year’s program brings together leaders and innovators to discuss diplomacy, digital growth, and development priorities with boldness and vision.”
Alec Russell, International Editor at the Financial Times, added:
> “With South Africa set to host the G20 Summit in November, Africa’s global influence has never been more visible. Yet the year has also brought major challenges. The FT Africa Summit offers a space for candid dialogue on geopolitics and fresh thinking on the continent’s investment and innovation opportunities.”
Hosted in London — the world’s financial hub — the FT Africa Summit has established itself as a premier forum for building connections between Africa and global markets, providing participants with direct access to international investors, development institutions, and global business networks.