President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 2026 Financial Times (FT) Africa Summit, where he is expected to share his perspectives on Africa’s economic prospects, investment opportunities and the challenges confronting the continent in a changing global environment. Editorial Standards
According to reports, President Mahama is scheduled to speak at the summit on the morning of his arrival. His participation places Ghana among the countries represented at the high-level gathering of African leaders, policymakers, business executives and international financiers.
The summit, which runs from October 21 to 22 at The Landmark in London, is holding its 13th edition under the theme “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order.”
It is designed to bring together influential voices from government, finance and industry to examine how African economies can respond to shifting international trade patterns, attract investment and strengthen domestic economic capacity.
President Mahama’s participation comes as African countries seek new ways to finance development, expand industrial production, strengthen regional markets and respond to uncertainty in the global economy.
Mahama to discuss Africa’s economic opportunities
The President is expected to share views on the strategic opportunities and headwinds shaping Africa’s economic future.
The discussions are particularly relevant as governments across the continent seek to translate natural resources, a growing population and expanding markets into sustainable economic growth.
In a report ahead of the summit, noted that the gathering would focus on investment, domestic capital mobilisation, regional trade and productive growth amid changes in the international economic order. The programme also includes discussions on finance, technology, infrastructure, energy and industrial development. Corrections Policy
For Ghana, the summit provides an opportunity to engage international investors and business leaders on the country’s economic direction and potential areas for commercial cooperation.
Attracting investment remains important for African economies seeking to expand productive industries, create employment and improve infrastructure. However, converting investor interest into tangible outcomes depends on factors such as policy consistency, reliable infrastructure, access to finance, workforce skills and a predictable business environment.
The summit offers a platform for African leaders to discuss these issues with investors and institutions that influence the availability and direction of capital.
Global trade and investment take centre stage
The 2026 summit is taking place against a backdrop of changing trade relationships, evolving international alliances and growing discussions about how African economies can become more resilient.
According to the summit programme reported, the first day will open with a keynote interview featuring President Mahama. Subsequent sessions will examine the future of finance, domestic capital mobilisation, financial technology and ways to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Discussions will also address gold reserve management and the economic implications of Africa’s rapid urbanisation.
The second day will focus on policies that can promote sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthen African trade and align investment risks more closely with the continent’s development priorities.
Participants are also expected to examine the implications of shifting global trade policies and the importance of strengthening commercial relationships with markets in the Gulf, China and India.
For African countries, expanding trade and investment partnerships can create opportunities to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on a narrow range of economic relationships. At the same time, stronger regional markets and domestic investment capacity can help countries build more resilient economies.
The summit will also host the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards, organised in partnership with the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. The awards recognise private-sector initiatives offering innovative and scalable responses to development challenges across the continent.
High-profile African and international participation
President Mahama is among several prominent political and business figures expected to contribute to the discussions.
Other confirmed participants include former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dangote Group President and Chief Executive Aliko Dangote, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Mo Ibrahim Foundation founder Mo Ibrahim, and Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide.
Their participation brings together perspectives from government, entrepreneurship, investment and development policy at a time when African economies are reassessing how best to mobilise capital and increase their competitiveness.
The presence of business leaders and institutional financiers also gives policymakers an opportunity to discuss the practical conditions required to support investment in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, energy and infrastructure. Newscard
Mahama’s next engagement in Ethiopia
Following his engagements in the United Kingdom, President Mahama is scheduled to travel to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to chair the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.
In his capacity as Chairperson of the Tana Forum, he is expected to formally present the State of Security in Africa Report on Saturday, October 24, 2026, according to reports and Ghana’s Information Services Department.
The Ethiopia engagement will shift attention from economic development to security issues affecting the continent, highlighting the links between stability, governance and long-term development.
President Mahama’s London visit therefore forms part of a broader programme of international engagements focused on Africa’s economic and security priorities. Privacy Policy & Terms
His contribution to the FT Africa Summit will place Ghana within discussions on how the continent can attract investment, strengthen trade and navigate a rapidly changing global economic order.
The impact of such engagements will ultimately depend on whether the discussions help generate stronger partnerships, practical investment opportunities and policies capable of delivering lasting benefits for Ghana and other African countries.