Themes
Held in the iconic Nelson Mandela Lecture Theatre on 14 March 2026, the Oxford Africa Business Forum is home to captivating keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, and academic thought-pieces. The Forum serves as a nexus for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and scholars to explore innovative strategies, forge impactful partnerships, and address the continent's most pressing economic challenges. The event, themed "Africa at a Crossroads: Redefining Growth in an Era of Technological and Geopolitical Change" will explore how Africa can forge new pathways for growth in the face of rapid technological and geopolitical change. Advances in AI and digital connectivity, alongside shifts in trade and culture, are reshaping the continent’s opportunities and challenges, while recent economic developments highlight the need to adapt Africa’s long-held growth vision to today’s realities. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, participants will examine how governments, businesses, and investors can respond to these forces while advancing inclusive and sustainable prosperity. It will also consider how Africa can strengthen its role in global governance and cultural exchange, and harness its demographic and technological potential to define its own trajectory on the world stage.
Geopolitical and Geo-economic Shifts: Redefining Africa’s Global Influence
As global power dynamics evolve, Africa stands at the crossroads of new trade alignments and diplomatic opportunities. We will explore how the continent can strengthen its collective voice in global governance and shape partnerships that serve African priorities. Across the continent, businesses are adapting to internal crises through regional integration, supply chain diversification, and proactive risk management. These adaptive strategies underscore Africa’s growing ability to navigate instability, safeguard investment, and position itself as a reliable alternative in the evolving global economy.
Financing Africa’s Future: Sustainability, Security, and Growth
Despite challenges such as conflict, currency volatility, and capital flight, Africa continues to attract growing investor interest. Panellists will examine pathways to sustain economic growth through diversified financing leveraging DFIs, support funds, and private capital, also they will address strategies for economic stabilisation, inclusive development, and building resilience amid global uncertainty.
Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation: Digital Pathways to Inclusive Growth
Africa’s digital revolution is reshaping industries, driving innovation, and bridging gaps in productivity. This theme highlights the transformative potential of AI, fintech, and digital infrastructure to scale inclusive ecosystems and empower entrepreneurs. It aims to chart a roadmap for harnessing technology to accelerate sustainable and equitable growth across the continent.
Africa’s journey toward net-zero emissions presents both challenges and opportunities for industrialisation and growth. We aim to explore innovative approaches to expand energy access, debate pre-conceived notions; how to accelerate renewable adoption, and build climate-resilient economies. Participants will discuss policies, partnerships, and technologies that can ensure a just and inclusive energy transition for all Africans.
Energy Access, Transition, and Climate Resilience: Powering a Sustainable Africa
Africa’s Leadership for the 21st Century: Purpose, Integrity, and Inclusion
The future of Africa depends on visionary, ethical, and inclusive leadership. We will emphasises governance anchored in purpose and integrity, fostering accountability and trust in public and private institutions. Conversations will spotlight gender equity, youth empowerment, and community participation as pillars of transformative leadership for equitable development.
Africa’s creative industries spanning art, music, film, storytelling and sports, are emerging as powerful engines of growth and global influence. We will celebrate creativity as both soft power and a driver of economic transformation. Discussions will focus on monetizing talent, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and positioning Africa’s cultural identity as a cornerstone of its global engagement.