uk – africa sme trade & investment conference 2015

SSCG |Events |UKAATIC15 1

UK - Africa SME Trade & Investment Conference 2015

Unlocking new consumers and opportunities for SMEs through strengthened UK – Africa trade ties,

investment and business linkages.

Meeting Overview

19 February 2015, London


Conference at a Glance

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1 Day of

intensive knowledge enriching debates,

thoughtful discussions and provocative

sessions

Opportunity to learn new

business, strategies & investment

opportunities in Africa +100

Business leaders, Experts,

Entrepreneurs, Investors,

Innovators and Officials

+10

Sessions & panel topics

+20 Speakers

Business boosting networking

opportunities

Opportunity to share perspectives, insights & analytics


Overview

SMEs are important engines of economic growth both in the UK and Africa.

Represent between 80 – 90% of firms operating the economies, creating

employment opportunities and improving social economic environment. While

markets investment opportunities in Africa continue to shift, local economic

characteristics and business landscape continue to change rapidly. With traditional

operation processes, approaches and models being challenged, stakeholders and

consumers are demanding innovative solutions and inclusive models from firms that

seek to drive value while meeting market needs and regulatory requirements. As a

result, global firms and investors are increasingly looking externally for innovative

approaches, effective operation tools, leading multi stakeholder’s management

practices and entrepreneurial collaboration models coupled with new technologies.

From West to East and Southern Africa, many of the economies are growing fast,

creating new consumer markets and marching to prosperity. To date, successful

investment deals, M&A, JVs, collaborations and partnership models, and operation

practices in the region require SMEs to understand effectively local market context,

economic plans and priorities. Furthermore, need to be efficiently capitalised and

identify opportunities in high growth industries and sectors; break down internal

barriers and adapt new ways of working across the region as stakeholders,

technology and consumers move to the centre with diverse set of collaborators.

Join us on 19 February 2015, where industry experts, business leaders,

entrepreneurs, investors and Government officials will gather to discuss financing

options and present current opportunities in Africa for UK companies. The

conference is ideal platform for international and domestic participants to share

latest insights, grasp developing trends, practices, ideas and build new business

relationship. Further offer opportunities for companies and exhibitors to enhance

brand awareness, showcase their solutions, products and services; and to connect

with other suppliers.


Agenda

09:00 – 10:30 Exploring African Market Potential

Africa’s attractiveness as a business location.

Africa market reform – A government perspective.

Perspectives on current and future developments opportunities.

What are key demand drivers in Africa?

Key technologies and advancements set to revolutionise businesses and

markets.

Changing consumer landscape, needs and regulatory requirements.

11:00 – 12:30 Risk Capital and Investment for Innovative SMEs

Financing and structuring projects in Africa.

Capital projects financing and appraisals.

SME banking, financial instruments, facilities and funding opportunities.

Debt and equity investment opportunities.

Diaspora remittances.

Inclusive financing and Social Responsible Investment (SRI).

13:30 – 15:00 Opportunities for UK Companies in Africa

Major projects for multinational SMEs.

High growth sectors and industries for investment.

Unlocking new consumer markets and value.

What are the biggest supply, technologies and skills gaps?

Developing effective supply chains to achieve sustainable delivery.

15:30 – 16:45 How can SMEs Compete in Africa?

Overcoming challenges through developing strong partnerships.

Supporting SMEs for Growth, Innovation and Jobs.

Maximising value and returns.

How to improve operation, capital and talent capabilities.

New model for collaboration to ensure sustainable growth.

16:45 – 17:00 Closing remarks


Speakers

Dr Olu Fasan, Senior Adviser - Energy Policy and Business Competitiveness,

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

Dr Joy Hategekwa, International Legal Affairs Officer, World Trade Organisation

(WTO)

Raya Hubbell, Chief Operating Officer, Invest Africa

Dr John Birchall, A development Economist, affiliate and honorary lecturer

at The University of Cambridge, Centre for African Studies (SOAS), the

Universities of Sierra Leone, Zambia and Harare, Solusi and Zimbabwe.

Prof Augustine John, International consultant, honorary fellow and associate

professor, Institute of Education - University of London

Prof. Allam Ahmed, President - World Association for Sustainable Development

(WASD), Director at the University of Brighton and Editor in Chief, World Journal

of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD)

Vijay Goel, Partner at Singhania & Co and Vice-Chairman of Africa International

Business Forum

David Smith, Chairman, British African Business Alliance (BABA)

Dr Alex Pietrus, Management Consultant, Trade and Foreign Direct Investments

(FDIs) on Africa

Sören Moberg, Trade, investment and development expert for private and

Governmental investments in Uganda, Moberge Finance Ltd

Debbie Emmanuel, Management consultant, Structured Trade Finance on Africa

Nzube Ufodike, CEO, Amoo Venture Capital

Rita Spada, CEO, World Trade Centre London

Bidemi Alabi, CEO, Association of African Owned Enterprises (AAOE) UK

*More speakers to be confirmed


At SSCG, we support our clients to do business in Africa, navigate market challenges, de-risk operations and strengthen value chains to increase efficiency.

Why SMEs? High-growth small businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and driving economic growth both in the UK and Africa through innovation and market expansion. However, many small businesses and social enterprises struggle to access capital and the support needed to overcome the many challenges they face as they take their businesses, consumers and markets to the next level.


FAQ?

Meeting location? The meeting will take place in London. The venue to be confirmed in due course. Further information on how to get there will be provided closer to the date. Where will I stay? You will receive hotel booking information upon confirmation of your registration. Alternatively, you ca arrange your own accommodation at your convenient. What does registration include? The registration fee (£75.00 for early registration before 31 December 2014, £95.00 for standard registration and £60.00 for students.) includes access to all aspects of the conference. How and when do I need to register? You can register online at www.s-scg.com/events/ukaatic15 or request a Registration Form at [email protected]. We recommend that you register as soon as possible to benefit from our early registration discount and due to limited tickets. Do I need a visa? Please check with your closest embassy or consulate of United Kingdom if you are travelling from non EU countries regarding your visa requirements. SSCG can issue a Letter of Invitation (L.O.I) after you have completed your registration. Where can I find additional information about the programme? General information on the programme can be found on the conference website www.s-scg.com/events/ukaatic15. After completing your registration, you’ll receive full information, joining instructions, list of participants and speakers to help plan your participation. How can my company exhibit or sponsor the conference? If your company wish to sponsor or exhibit at the conference, please contact Ruth Adams for further information. Who do I contact for more information? Ruth Adams Director and Head for Corporate Affairs Tel.: + (44) 01865 600580 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

http://www.s-scg.com/events/ukaatic15

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Get in touch

For more information, registration, speaking and sponsorship opportunities contact: Office: Clarendon Enterprise Centre, Clarendon House, 52 Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3HJ T: + (44) 1865 600580 or + (44) 1865 600576 E: [email protected] or [email protected] W: www.s-scg.com



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