The Power of Strategic Platforms
Long before the recent surge in global interest in African markets, it was already clear to
many forward-looking leaders that Germany and Africa shared enormous untapped
economic potential.
Germany is one of the world’s strongest industrial economies — a global leader in
engineering, technology, and exports. At the same time, Africa is home to some of the
world’s fastest-growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle class.
Yet for many years, economic cooperation between Germany and Africa remained below its
full potential.
Recognizing this gap, I became involved in initiatives designed to bring both sides together
in meaningful dialogue — creating platforms where African leaders, German companies,
policymakers, and investors could meet, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for
trade and investment.
The Germany–Africa Business Forum: A Meeting Place for Opportunity
One of the earliest milestones in this journey was my involvement in the Germany–Africa
Business Forum (GABF) — a privately driven platform created to strengthen economic ties
between Germany and the African continent.
The forum brought together:
● African executives and policymakers
● German companies and investors
● industry leaders and innovators
● public and private sector stakeholders
Its goal was simple but powerful: to bridge the information and relationship gap that
often prevents promising opportunities from becoming real partnerships.
“Meaningful economic cooperation begins when the right people meet in the
right environment.”
Berlin 2017: Launching the Dialogue
One of the key milestones was the Germany–Africa Business Forum in Berlin, hosted at
the prestigious Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
The event brought together around 200 participants from across Africa and Europe,
representing sectors such as:
● Energy
● Industry and manufacturing
● Banking and finance
● Government institutions
● Technology and innovation
● Legal and consulting services
Participants travelled from countries including:
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South
Africa and several others.
The gathering demonstrated the growing appetite for structured dialogue between
African economies and German industry.
For many participants, the forum became the starting point for new relationships,
partnerships, and investment conversations.
Munich 2017: Expanding the Conversation
Later that year, the dialogue continued in Munich — one of Germany’s most dynamic
economic hubs.
As the capital of Bavaria and home to major global companies such as BMW, Siemens,
Allianz and Munich Re, Munich offered an ideal setting to deepen discussions around
technology partnerships, industrial collaboration, and investment opportunities
across Africa.
“Events are not just gatherings — they are catalysts for partnerships.”
From Forums to Practical Business Guidance
Building on the momentum of these discussions, I later co-organized a focused investment
workshop designed to provide practical guidance for European companies interested in
entering African markets.
In 2019, the Trade Advocacy and Investment Workshop for the EU and Africa was
hosted at Bavaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The workshop was intentionally designed as a smaller, results-oriented gathering, limited
to around 50 participants, enabling deeper dialogue and practical exchange.
Using Ghana as a case study, the workshop addressed questions frequently asked by
European businesses:
● How do you begin exploring opportunities in Africa?
● What risks should companies anticipate?
● How can businesses identify reliable local partners?
● What regulatory frameworks must be understood?
● How can partnerships be built sustainably?
Participants left with practical insights, strategic frameworks, and concrete next steps
for doing business in Africa.
2023: The Hospitality Industry in Africa
In 2023, I had the opportunity to contribute to another important initiative connecting
diplomatic leadership and private sector investment.
At the Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Berlin, a high-level presentation was
organized for ambassadors from SADC member states, as well as representatives from
countries including Cuba and Mexico.
The event was hosted under the patronage of H.E. Ambassador Mrs Balbina Malheiros Dias
da Silva and focused on presenting investment strategies and partnership opportunities in
several African markets.
During the event, I delivered a presentation on the Africa strategic policy frameworks and
investment opportunities in the hospitality industry in SADC countries.
The discussions explored how tourism, hospitality investments, and cross-border
partnerships could contribute to economic development while strengthening collaboration
between Europe and African economies.
“Diplomatic dialogue often lays the foundation for successful international
investment partnerships.”
Lessons from Organizing International Business Platforms
Over the years, organizing and co-creating these events has reinforced several key insights
about effective international convening:
- The Right People Matter
Successful events are defined not by size, but by the relevance and diversity of
participants. - Dialogue Must Be Structured
Carefully curated discussions ensure conversations translate into actionable outcomes. - Trust Drives Collaboration
Events create neutral environments where investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs can
build relationships before entering partnerships. - Context Is Essential
Understanding economic, political, and cultural dynamics ensures discussions remain
relevant and productive.
“The true success of an event is measured by the partnerships it inspires
afterwards.”
Looking Ahead: The Role of Strategic Convening
Today, as global interest in African markets continues to grow, platforms that facilitate
informed and forward-looking dialogue are more important than ever.
Strategic forums, workshops, and diplomatic gatherings can help:
● strengthen cross-border partnerships
● reduce investment barriers
● accelerate innovation and development
● build long-term economic relationships
My experience organizing and facilitating such platforms has reinforced a simple but
powerful insight:
When the right stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, meaningful
progress becomes possible.
Call to Action
If your organization is interested in high-level event facilitation, cross-border dialogue, or
strategic platforms connecting Europe and Africa, I welcome a confidential conversation
on how we can design impactful engagements together.
