Mahama to attend London African Investment Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed his participation in the 2015 Global African Investment Summit in London in December, joining his counterparts from Rwanda, Uganda, Liberia and Malawi, and several dignitaries of other African countries, the organizers have announced.

The economic development gathering on December 1 and 2 will once again bring together over 750 global investors, project developers, and senior government leaders, to harness trade and investment opportunities in Africa.

Following a successful inaugural edition in 2014, this will be the second year President Mahama will attend the event.

Other notable participants will be the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augustin Matata Ponyo, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who will take part as both chairman and as a speaker.

These leaders will meet with members of the global business community to present various investment opportunities in their regions.

The organisers noted: “Unlike most conferences focused on Africa, The Global African Investment Summit (TGAIS) moves beyond the conventional discussion on the need for change in Africa.

“Instead, the event provides a business platform, offering African governments and companies the chance to present their investment projects to a diverse audience of global businesses interested in long-term investment in Africa.”

During Project Roundtable Meetings, investment opportunities will be presented and business relationships further developed.

An audit of the businesses that attended last year accounted for control of $235 billion in managed funds.

“Africa is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions,” said Paul Sinclair, Director of TGAIS.

“This summit actively encourages trade and investment by giving African governments, business leaders and visionaries, the opportunity to present their projects, and set up partnerships. We are a game-changer.”

The African Entrepreneurship Programme (AEP) will be launched in partnership with former President Obasanjo and Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s most successful businessmen.

“The AEP will support African entrepreneurs to realize their investment objectives by giving them the opportunity to present and connect with financial stakeholders,” the organizers explained.

This year’s TGAIS theme is Transforming African Economies for Global Competitiveness.

The agenda will cover the infrastructure, power, agribusiness, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), tourism and natural resources sectors.