The World Chambers Federation (WCF), in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), is set to host the inaugural Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

The summit, scheduled from April 9-11, 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre aims to boost trade, Investment and sustainable growth.

The summit is expected to bring together 4,500 participants including African Heads of State and Government, 500 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), 350 entrepreneurs and global investors from over 70 countries.

All you need to know about WCF Africa Summit 2025

Q1: What is the WCF Africa Summit 2025?
A1: The WCF Africa Summit 2025 is a flagship event organized by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). Scheduled from April 9-11, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the Summit is themed Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable. This high-profile event will convene 4,500 delegates, 350 exhibitors, and participants from over 70 countries to showcase Africa’s role in global trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

Q2: Why is this Summit significant for Africa and the global community?
A2: The Summit is a pivotal moment in Africa’s trajectory toward greater global economic integration. It highlights Africa’s leadership in global trade through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By fostering cross-border collaboration, addressing challenges in trade and investment, and empowering chambers of commerce, the Summit strengthens Africa’s presence in global value chains. It also emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity to redefine Africa’s role in the international economic arena.

Q3: What are the key objectives of the Summit?
A3: The Summit focuses on:

• Positioning Africa in Global Trade: Showcasing Africa as a dynamic and competitive partner in global markets, with chambers of commerce playing a central role in linking businesses to international opportunities.
• Strengthening Regional Integration: Accelerating the implementation of AfCFTA to enhance intra-African trade and reduce barriers.
• Empowering SMEs: Equipping SMEs with tools, resources, and access to global networks through chamber-driven initiatives.
• Advancing Innovation: Highlighting technological solutions that address Africa’s unique challenges and create competitive advantages.
• Enhancing Chamber Capacities: Supporting chambers of commerce to serve as advocates and enablers of economic growth.
• Driving Sustainable Development: Advocating for eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and sustainable supply chains in all sectors.

Q4: Who will attend the Summit?
A4: The Summit will bring together a diverse audience, including:

• Heads of state and government leaders.
• Policymakers, chambers of commerce leaders, and global investors.
• Entrepreneurs, SMEs, innovators, academia and trade experts from Africa and beyond.
  This diverse mix ensures impactful discussions, partnerships, and networking opportunities.

Q5: What role does AfCFTA play in this Summit?
A5: AfCFTA is the cornerstone of Africa’s trade integration and will take center stage at the Summit. Discussions will focus on how businesses, with support from chambers of commerce, can leverage AfCFTA to access regional markets, reduce trade barriers, and foster seamless supply chains. The Summit will explore policies and partnerships that maximize AfCFTA’s potential to unite 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

Q6: How will SMEs benefit from the Summit?
A6: SMEs are vital to Africa’s economic transformation, and the Summit is tailored to their needs through:

• Workshops and Panels: Guidance on scaling operations, accessing funding, and navigating global markets.
• Networking Opportunities: Connections with investors, buyers, and other businesses facilitated by chambers of commerce.
• Exhibitions: A platform to showcase their products and services to a global audience.

Q7: What are the event highlights?
A7:

• High-level keynote speeches from influential leaders.
• Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations, products, and services.
• Interactive panel discussions on AfCFTA, sustainability, and business opportunities.
• B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions for strategic partnerships.
• An exclusive AfCFTA Opportunities Forum to explore trade benefits and strategies.

Q8: How is sustainability being incorporated into the Summit?
A8: Sustainability is a guiding principle of the Summit. Sessions will highlight green technologies, sustainable supply chains, and renewable energy solutions. The event itself will adopt eco-friendly practices, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to sustainable economic development.

Q9: How can participants and exhibitors register for the event?
A9: Registration is set to open January 23rd on the official WCF Africa Summit website. Participants and exhibitors can access detailed information, schedules, and packages tailored to their needs. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.

Q10: What legacy will the Summit leave for Africa?
A10: The Summit aims to solidify Africa’s role in global trade, create actionable strategies for economic integration, and promote sustainable practices. It will enhance the capacities of African chambers of commerce to advocate for businesses, connect them to opportunities, and leave a roadmap for future growth under AfCFTA.

Q11: How does the Summit benefit the media?
A11: Media professionals will gain exclusive access to high-profile stories, interviews with global leaders, and insights into Africa’s economic transformation. The Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to highlight Africa’s dynamic growth to a global audience. Dedicated press zones and briefings will ensure seamless reporting experiences.

Q12: What unique elements set this Summit apart?
A12: Organized by WCF and KNCCI, the Summit transcends typical conferences by integrating exhibitions, strategic forums, and sector visits. Chambers of commerce will play a key role in facilitating meaningful dialogues, connecting businesses, and shaping impactful policies for Africa’s global economic future.

Q13: How does this event contribute to Africa’s global positioning?
A13: By uniting stakeholders from across the world, the Summit showcases Africa’s readiness for the global stage. It emphasizes chambers of commerce as critical drivers of innovation, partnerships, and business development, ensuring Africa’s sustained influence in global trade.

#WCF2025 #AfCFTA #AfricaTrade

Q14: How will the Summit strengthen the role of chambers of commerce in Africa?
A14: The Summit will emphasize the vital role of chambers of commerce in advocating for businesses, driving policy reforms, and facilitating partnerships. Dedicated sessions will equip chambers with tools from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to expand their global influence and better serve their members.

Q15: What sectors are being prioritized during the Summit?
A15: Key sectors include infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, healthcare, and tourism. These sectors will be represented in exhibitions, panel discussions, and site visits, reflecting their importance in driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Q16: How is Kenya positioned to host this Summit?
A16: Kenya’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and thriving private sector make it an ideal host for the Summit. Nairobi, as a regional hub, offers unmatched access to African markets and serves as a gateway for international trade and investment.

Q17: How will the Summit address youth and gender inclusion?
A17: The Summit will feature dedicated symposium and workshops aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and Africa’s 830 million youth. Initiatives will focus on capacity-building, mentorship, and access to funding to enable their participation in global value chains.

Q18: What outcomes are expected from the B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions?
A18: These sessions aim to facilitate high-impact partnerships, secure investment deals, and create lasting collaborations between businesses and governments. A key goal is to create actionable outcomes championed by the chambers that drive trade and investment across the continent.

Q19: How will the Summit enhance Africa’s readiness for global trade?
A19: By aligning with the AfCFTA framework and integrating chambers of commerce into discussions, the Summit will strengthen Africa’s capacity to compete on the global stage. Sessions will focus on reducing trade barriers, enhancing value chains, and adopting international standards.

Q20: What role do partnerships with global institutions play in this event?
A20: Partnerships with institutions such as the ICC, WTO, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide strategic insights, funding opportunities, and frameworks to advance regional integration and global trade alignment.

Q21: How will exhibitors benefit from participating in the Summit?
A21: Exhibitors will gain direct exposure to a global audience of investors, policymakers, and potential partners. The exhibition area will provide a platform for showcasing innovations, securing deals, and expanding market reach.

Q22: What measures are in place to ensure the event’s success?
A22: A dedicated steering committee, comprising members of WCF, KNCCI, government representatives, and private sector leaders, is coordinating all aspects of the Summit. In addition to continental partnerships. Their efforts will ensure seamless logistics, high-quality content, and impactful outcomes.

Q23: How does the Summit connect Africa to global innovation trends?
A23: The Summit will showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions tailored to Africa’s challenges. It will encourage knowledge exchange between global innovators and African businesses, fostering collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and agritech.