One Africa Forums presents in Barcelona its second edition of the “Africa Business Summit, new frontiers of trade and investment”.
This forum seeks to promote mutually beneficial partnerships on various topics of mutual interest. This three-day event will bring together ministers, government officials, investors and institutions from Africa and Spain in an exclusive environment to deepen and seize business opportunities.
The ceremony, to be held on 9, 10 and 11 July in Barcelona, will host this great event, which will be attended by great personalities such as Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, Rachid Houari, Director General of the Tangier Med Port Logistics Zone, and Rosa Cañadas, President of the Tanja Foundation.
Among the institutions that will be represented are: Ministries of Economy, Trade and Foreign Affairs, key players in sustainable and digital development, leading companies in the infrastructure sectors, academic and research institutions, energy, agriculture and technology, legal and strategic consulting firms, multilateral organisations and development agencies, financial institutions, including banks and investment banks, and non-governmental organisations dedicated to economic development.
The summit in Barcelona, Spain’s economic centre and the capital of Catalonia, highlight the city’s key role in the Spanish economy. Barcelona, which accounts for 28% of Spain’s total exports and 20% of its GDP, is the strategic maritime gateway to Europe and a leading industrial centre. The Africa Spain Business Summit is a premier event that builds bridges between African and Spanish economic collaborations and unique business opportunities in emerging and established markets.
The event is one of the most important events to establish contacts with potential clients and partners in a specific environment, showcase innovative projects and solutions to the target audience, obtain information on cutting-edge sustainable and digital practices, expand media coverage before, during and after the event; and finally, participate in high-impact networking and knowledge exchange sessions.
Programme
Africa Spain Business Council: Pioneering new frontiers in trade and investment
Programme of the Forum Tuesday 9 July:
08H00 -18H00 WELCOME AND EXCHANGES
18H00 – (Not specified) WELCOME COCKTAIL
Programme of the Forum Wednesday 10 July:
08H30 WELCOME
– Hassan M. Alaoui, President One Africa Forums
– Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona
09H00 – 09H30 INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Theme: A Geopolitical Perspective: Mitigating Risks in Africa
Description: In approaching risk mitigation in Africa from a geopolitical perspective, it is imperative to recognise the multifaceted challenges intertwined with the continent’s diverse geopolitical landscape. Understanding and navigating these complexities is essential to foster stability, sustainable development, regional cooperation and promote trade and investment.
Speaker: Abdou Souleye Diop, Managing Partner, Mazars
09H30 – 11H00 OPENING SESSION
Theme: Understanding the forces shaping Africa’s markets and unlocking opportunities for investment and trade
Description: Africa is a diverse continent with a multitude of cultures, economies and markets. To promote investment and foster successful trade ties between Spain and African countries, it is essential to understand the dynamics at play. This session will also address the challenges in Spanish investment, explore strategies for investment promotion, infrastructure development and discuss ways to overcome trade barriers, including the use of digitalisation and public-private partnerships.
Moderator: Diego Martínez Belío, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain.
Participants: Senior Government officials from Togo, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
Key questions:
- What demographic and economic factors are currently shaping African markets?
- What are the main challenges in attracting Spanish investment to African economies, and what strategies can address these challenges for mutual benefit?
- How can investment promotion agencies more effectively stimulate and facilitate Spanish investment in Africa to ensure benefits for both parties?
- What are effective ways to overcome trade barriers between Spain and Africa, and how can successful examples of global trade inform Spain-Africa economic growth?
11H00 – 11H30 COFFEE BREAK
11H30 – 12H00 KEYNOTE SPEECH
Theme: Spain, a strategic partner for Africa
Description: Spain’s proximity and experience make it an attractive trading partner for African economies. Key officials will emphasise Spain’s geographical proximity, sectoral expertise and its role as an alternative trading partner. This session highlights the multifaceted benefits of trade ties between African economies and Spain.
Speaker: Ana de Vicente Lancho, Deputy Director General for the Mediterranean and Africa, State Secretariat for Trade, Spain.
12H00 – 13H30 PLENARY SESSION 1
Theme: Processing Industries Leading Africa’s Promising Sectors
Description: Processing industries are at the forefront and can significantly enhance trade and investment between Africa and Spain. This session will focus on key issues related to collaborative efforts, strategic initiatives and bilateral growth opportunities between key Spanish and African players.
Key questions:
- Why are processing industries among the promising sectors in Africa?
- How can Spain benefit from the momentum around these industries and actively participate in their development?
- What specific strategies can be implemented to enhance collaboration between African and Spanish processing industries?
- To what extent can African countries benefit from the successful digital transformation of Spanish processing industries?
Speakers:
– Senior Executive, Foment del Treball
– François Serres, founder and international lawyer specialising in OHADA Law
– Khaled Kaim, Senior Advisor, Presidential Council, Libya
– Albert Alsina, President of Mediterrania Capital Partners
– Daouda Coulibaly, former president of CCR-UEMOA
– Patrice Yantho Yondeu, Vice-President of the Industry Commission, GECAM, Cameroon
– Javier Fernández Arribas, director of Atalayar Between Two Shores
13H30 – 15H00 LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING
15H00 – 16H30 PLENARY SESSION 2
Theme: Connecting Mediterranean and Atlantic African ports
Description: Efficient port connectivity plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between Spain and Africa. This discussion explores the logistical challenges and the importance of port networks in cross-border trade, particularly in view of the emergence of new ports in Atlantic Africa and developments in supply chain management.
Key questions:
- Why is it essential to improve port connectivity to foster seamless trade between Spain and Atlantic African countries?
- What are the prevailing transport logistics challenges impacting the Spain-Africa trade corridor?
- How can African Atlantic ports contribute to Spain’s industrial competitiveness and what synergies can be explored between African and Spanish Atlantic ports?
- Why is port digital transformation essential to improve connectivity between African and Spanish ports and enhance security?
Speakers:
– Hien Sié, General Manager, Port Autonome d’Abidjan
– Rachid Houari, General Manager of the Port Logistics Zone of Tangier Med
– Jordi Torrent, Secretary General, Medport Association
– Moubarack LO, Director General, Bureau de Prospective Economique du Sénégal
– Cyrus Ngo’o, CEO, Port Autonome de Douala
– David Garay, CEO, Indegate
16H30 – 17H00 CASE STUDY
Theme: Port Autonome de Kribi: A new generation port with a focus on the future
Description: This session will highlight the Port Autonome de Kribi, located in Cameroon, providing a comprehensive overview of its port facilities and industrial zone. The focus will be on its development potential, highlighting the numerous advantages and opportunities it offers to international economic actors.
17H15 – 18H15 FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Theme: Panel discussion: How sustainable is Africa’s development?
Description: Adopting sustainability and ESG practices is vital for long-term resilience and value creation. Integrating these principles into business operations promotes responsible and ethical conduct, aligning with shared values. Spain and Africa can build a resilient and mutually beneficial business environment by prioritising sustainability.
Key questions:
- How can companies in Africa and Spain effectively integrate ESG principles into their operations for sustainable development?
- What challenges and opportunities come with adopting ESG practices for sustainable development, and how can they be managed for long-term resilience?
- How do economic, environmental and social factors emphasise the need for sustainability, and how can Spain and Africa collaborate to address them?
- How does ethical business conduct contribute to a resilient and mutually beneficial Spain-Africa business environment driven by shared values of sustainable development?
Speakers:
– Grace Obado, President, Africa 2.0
– Javier Elizalde, CEO, Salvi
– Pau Solanilla, Commissioner for City Promotion, Barcelona City Council
– Marc Lopez, Director of Agenda Pública
17H15 – 18H15 FOCUS ON EDUCATION
Theme: Keynote speech: The role of international cooperation in promoting education and preparing tomorrow’s leaders
Speaker: Mohamed Methqal, Ambassador and Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation
Case Study: How higher education and training can serve as a bridge between Spain and Africa
Description: Cultivating a new generation of business leaders is crucial for Africa and Spain. This discussion focuses on promoting youth participation, education and skills development, emphasising mentoring, internships and educational partnerships in preparing future leaders for the challenges of cross-border trade. The evolving role of digitalisation and technology trends will be emphasised during this session.
Speaker: Ermias Mebrate Mengistu, Director of the Africa Initiative IESE Business School.
Africa-Spain Cooperation Summit – PHOTO/ATALAYAR/GUILLERMO LÓPEZ
Programme of the Forum Thursday 11 July:
09H00 – 09H30 KEYNOTE SPEECH
Theme: Country Branding: Promotion and positioning of “Made in Spain” in African markets
Description: Unlike American and French brands, Spanish brands are not well known in Africa. This speech will explore how to promote the Spanish brand and build an image to secure a place in the increasingly competitive African markets. It will also provide an analysis of the diversity of African markets and share experiences of strong brands in Africa.
Speaker: Didier Lagae, CEO of Marco
09H30 – 11H00 PLENARY SESSION 3
Theme: Legal Frameworks for Cross-Border Trade and Investment
Description: The legal frameworks governing cross-border investment and trade are a crucial issue for African and Spanish economic actors. The aim of this discussion is to help participants navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance and fostering an enabling environment for mutually beneficial business engagements.
Key questions:
- How do the legal structures and frameworks for investment and trade differ between African countries and Spain, including regulatory bodies and compliance?
- What challenges do businesses face in navigating cross-border regulations and what are the key features of investment laws in African countries and Spain?
- How do these legal frameworks protect foreign investments and investor rights?
- How does OHADA facilitate legal processes and promote investment and cross-border trade within its member countries in relation to Spain?
- How will AfCFTA impact the legal frameworks for investment and trade in African countries?
Speakers:
– Sergio Tomo, Minister of Justice, Cults and Penitentiary Institutions of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
– Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, Director General, ANAPI, DRC
– Anne-Sophie Firion, Arbitrator of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration – OHADA
– Mariétou Coulibaly, Director General of the Regional Consular Chamber of WAEMU
– Abdou Souleye Diop, managing partner of Mazars
11H00 – 11H30 COFFEE AND NETWORKING BREAK
11H30 – 13H30 FOCUS ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Panel Discussion I
Theme: Facing the development challenges of big cities in Côte d’Ivoire
Description: Major African cities, such as Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, are undergoing profound developmental changes that require innovative approaches to urban development and city planning. This session will highlight the significant challenges facing cities in Côte d’Ivoire and explore lessons that can be learned from the successful Barcelona model.
Speakers:
– H.E Bruno Nabagné Koné, Minister of Construction and Urban Development, Côte d’Ivoire.
– Kéité Cissé Nakaradja, Mayor of San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire
– Kouassi Kouamé Patrice, Mayor of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
– Habib Mbengue, Director General, SHM, Côte d’Ivoire
Panel Discussion II
Theme: African cities: The need for reinvented financing approaches.
Description: This session, organised by FMDV (Global Fund for Cities Development) and the Alliance of African Ministers for Urban Development Finance, will address the challenges of urban development and financing. It offers the opportunity to explore the complexities and opportunities related to urban growth in Africa, with the participation of African ministers, representatives of African and Spanish cities, and agencies involved in cooperation and financing.
13H30 – 15H00 LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING
15H00 – 16H30 PLENARY SESSION 4
Theme: Trade Finance: The Role of Banks and Aid Agencies
Description: This session explores trade finance, highlighting the roles of banking systems, aid agencies and guarantee funds. Topics include banking support for Spain-Africa trade, improving collaboration between financial institutions, risk mitigation and innovative financing solutions.
Key questions:
- How can banking systems strategically boost Spain-Africa trade and what measures enhance their role in smooth financial mechanisms?
- How can collaboration between financial institutions in Spain and Africa be strengthened to create a more interconnected trade finance ecosystem, benefiting both regions?
- How can innovative financing solutions such as impact investing and trade finance platforms diversify and improve the financial landscape for cross-border trade between Spain and Africa?
Speakers:
– Saad Bendidi, Chairman and Senior Partner, Mediterrania Capital Partners
– Jérôme Ehui, President of the Association of Bankers, APBEF, Côte d’Ivoire
– Alberto Martinez Catalan, Head of International Finance and Guarantees, Instituto de Crédito Oficial, Côte d’Ivoire
– David Garay, CEO of Indegate
16H30 – 17H00 FOCUS COUNTRY: CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Theme: Côte d’Ivoire, Gateway to West Africa
Description: This session highlights Côte d’Ivoire as a reliable gateway for Spanish investors in West Africa. Discussions will cover its business-friendly environment, investment opportunities and solid infrastructure, making it ideal for Spanish companies. Participants will learn about Côte d’Ivoire’s potential for successful trade and investment.
17H00 – 17H30 COUNTRY FOCUS: DRC
Theme: DRC, a country with infinite potential
Description: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presents itself as a treasure trove of natural resources. With its vast reserves of minerals, forests and arable land, the country has immense potential for economic development and growth. The government’s ambitious plans and ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and establish a robust industrial sector, coupled with a renewed investment framework, make the opportunities in the country limitless.
17H30 – 18H00 FOCUS COUNTRY FOCUS: Morocco-Spain
Theme: Lessons from Morocco-Spain trade ties
Description: Analysing trade ties between Morocco and Spain offers valuable insights into success factors, challenges and lessons for this bilateral trade relationship.
Key questions:
- Success factors in the Morocco-Spain trade relationship.
- Challenges faced and overcome in this particular bilateral trade.
- Application of lessons learned to the broader Spain-Africa trade relationship.
- The role of diplomatic collaboration in trade and investment facilitation.
Speakers:
– Adil Rais, Co-Chair of the Morocco-Spain Economic Council.
– Rosa Cañadas, President of the Tanja Foundation
18:00 CLOSING SESSION
19:00 – 20:00 BY INVITATION ONLY
Theme: Exclusive tour of the Port of Barcelona
Description: The President of the Port of Barcelona will lead a tour of the port on board the “Consolat de Mar”. An exclusive journey through the entire port, offering breathtaking views and information about one of the most important maritime centres in Europe.
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