Financial Times Africa Summit 2025

Africa's geopolitical landscape is shifting. Powers like Russia, India, and the UAE are increasing their influence, while China's presence has cooled. This "diplomatic polycentricity" presents both opportunities and challenges. African leaders can leverage this situation to secure better deals and promote domestic processing of raw materials.

However, realising these opportunities requires addressing the key challenges of economic transformation to boost manufacturing output, a shift in trade relationships away from colonial-style resource extraction, and regional integration. Success hinges on strategic approaches that balance diverse partnerships with safeguards against exploitation.

The coming years will be critical in determining if Africa can capitalise on this increased global interest to drive sustainable development. The FT’s Africa Summit is the platform to enable governments, financiers and businesses to seize the interest and enable economic, educational and societal growth.