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 SSCG |Events |UKAATIC15
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Conference at a Glance
Opportunity to learn new business, strategies & investment opportunities in Africa Opportunity to share perspectives, insights & analytics
1 Day of intensive knowledge enriching debates, thoughtful discussions and provocative sessions Business boosting networking opportunities
+100 Business leaders, Experts, Entrepreneurs, Investors, Innovators and Officials
+10 Sessions & panel topics
+20 Speakers
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
At SSCG, we support our clients to do business in Africa, navigate market challenges, de-risk operations and strengthen value chains to increase efficiency. SSCG |Events |UKAATIC15
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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 events@s-scg.com. 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: Ruth.Adams@s-scg.com or Events@s-scg.com SSCG |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: info@s-scg.com or Business@s-scg.com W: www.s-scg.com
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