UK redefines Africa partnerships

Trade and investment platform Invest Africa announced a partnership with the UK government.  

The UK government will partner with Invest Africa for the 12th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

The Africa Debate 2026 will convene more than 800 senior leaders from government, finance and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”.

What new order means for Africa

As the global order evolves and new economic and geopolitical realities emerge, the forum will examine what these shifts mean for African economies and their international partners.

Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, discussions will focus on how to accelerate investment, unlock growth and strengthen development outcomes through a new era of collaboration.

The event comes at a pivotal moment, following the UK Government’s renewed approach to Africa, which sets out a clear focus on trade, investment and long-term strategic partnership across the continent.

Building opportunities through change and challenges

According to the Rt. Hon. Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development and Africa, countries across Africa are building opportunities through a period of intense change and challenges.

“The UK is stepping up as partners to build modern, long-term relationships based on mutual benefit and shared ambition,” she says.

Opportunity to build modern partnership

Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, adds that this is a timely opportunity to build a modern partnership centred on mutual benefit.

“As African economies advance industrialisation, value addition and sustainable investment, we are proud to connect the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential,” says Carrington.

Debate will feature the President of Ghana

The Africa Debate 2026 will feature H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and ministerial keynotes, alongside high-level plenaries and curated side events bringing together leaders from across Africa and the global investment community.

This year’s agenda will explore how strategic partnerships can be redefined across trade, finance, energy transition, critical minerals and digital innovation, shaping the next phase of investment, industrialisation and sustainable growth.

Image:   The Africa Debate 2026 will feature H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. Image credit: Government of Ghana.

WhyAfrica will be in Europe later this year to analyse Europe’s renewed partnerships in Africa.