When talking about the future of Africa we can always assume for the best, and a very good way of assuring this future outcome is by looking for networking and investing conferences. AFSIC is already on its 8th edition and the conference through its existence has held the motto “Investing in Africa.”
During the first week of May 2020, over 1500 business leaders, investors and dealmakers are expected to attend the three day conference held at the heart of London. The organizers have confirmed a presence of 350+ speakers in a wide range of topics from African Fintech to some workshops that aim to discuss social and development issues. The organizers also have stated in their website representation of over 40 African nations, almost 70% of all African countries should be present at this years conference.
With a great number of attendees and speakers the organizers aim to create a perfect environment for networking and dealmaking. The conference in a nutshell will serve as a melting pot where investors can meet and close deals with business leaders. The organizers themselves have stated: “The programme is designed to provide delegates with multiple opportunities to access the best African investments, whether through presentations from many of the most experienced Africa investors, or through attending the many formal and informal networking sessions during the event.” Also in their website the organizers mention the growing popularity of the event among worldwide investors wanting to engage in trading and business with African companies or projects. With a great number of individuals showing interest it will be short of opportunities for aspiring business leaders attending the conference.
Is the conference right for me? The organizers were kind enough to answer a similar question on the website of the conference, which can be accessed through this link. The question was: “which type of executive attends AFSIC?” The list could be separated into two categories, dealmakers and institutional investors. By institutional investors the website talks about a wide range of investors from direct investors to impact investors alongside a wide range of African based investors and fund investors. And dealmakers which technically would be present during negotiations as what I could describe as “buffers”, an also extensive list includes individuals such as stockbrokers and corporate financiers, both those based in Africa and those based in major financial centres around the world.
“AFSIC focuses on results.” In my view only one transaction would already prove the point on being successful. But the organizers see a different side. “Making African investment decisions, originating and executing transactions, and raising debt or equity capital are the key objectives for delegates attending AFSIC.” With the many networking sessions advertised by the hosts, I believe that many deals will originate from next year’s conference. The most recent conference I have seems positive results was this year’s GBF Africa, I did not have the opportunity to attend, but the outcomes were very visible not only through Further Africa but also in order media outlets. AFSIC has held 7 conferences in the past and through small to no research one can see that all seven had very good results and media feedback.
