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Beyond Xenophobia: The Economic Pain Driving SA’s Migration Debate South Africa’s migration anger may be less about borders than personal debt, rising costs, and a shared household finance crisis. Every Africa Month, South Africa marks the African Union’s 63-year-old dream of shared sovereignty, shared prosperity, and a borderless continent, building together. Africa Day fell on …
Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the Mayor of London and FirstBank UK are pleased to announce a joint Closing Reception marking the conclusion of The Africa Debate 2026, taking place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at The Crypt, Guildhall, London, from 18:00.
The reception will bring together delegates from The Africa Debate 2026 - the UK's foremost platform for high-level dialogue on Africa's economic future - and participants from the London-Africa Business Forum, ahead of the Mayor of London's inaugural London-Africa Business Summit. The event will offer leaders from across government, finance, and industry a unique opportunity to reflect on the day's discussions, deepen connections, and look ahead to the conversations continuing in the days that follow.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced that the first London-Africa Business Summit will be hosted in London, with the aim of tapping into the economic opportunities that a strong, mutual relationship with the continent can bring. The Summit builds on Sadiq's trade mission to Africa in July 2025, visiting Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to champion London as a place to invest in.
The event will convene entrepreneurs and investors, government officials and trade groups from across Africa's 54 nations, with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment to the capital and boosting trade links. Africa currently accounts for 1.25% of foreign direct investment into London, and the Mayor has identified expanding ties with Africa as key to delivering London's international trade ambitions and creating thousands of jobs in the years ahead.
The Closing Reception marks a natural bridge between The Africa Debate and the Mayor's broader Africa engagement agenda. Remarks will be delivered by Olukorede K.O. Adenowo, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank UK, and Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth and Chair of London & Partners, who will attend on behalf of the Mayor of London.
The Africa Debate 2026 convenes over 800 senior leaders under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, examining how African economies and their international partners can accelerate investment, unlock growth, and strengthen development outcomes in a rapidly changing global order. The event features H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as Guest of Honour, alongside ministerial keynotes, high-level plenaries, and sessions on trade, finance, energy, critical minerals, and digital transformation.
Chantelé Carrington
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Africa, commented:
“The Africa Debate has always been about more than dialogue - it is about building the relationships that drive real investment and lasting impact. This Closing Reception, hosted alongside the Mayor of London and FirstBank UK, is a fitting culmination to a day of ambitious conversation. By bringing together delegates from The Africa Debate and the London-Africa Business Forum, we create a moment of genuine connection - where the leaders shaping Africa's economic future can engage, exchange and continue building the partnerships that matter.”
Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, said: “London is a global gateway for African businesses and investors, which is why Sadiq Khan last year led a successful trade mission to the continent - the first by any Mayor of London.
Following the Mayor's historic visit, we are hosting the first ever London-Africa Business Summit - underscoring just how central Africa is to London's international trade and investment strategy. By bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs and investors at the summit and The Africa Debate, we are creating connections that turn ambition into action, as we build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
Olukorede K.O. Adenowo, Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank UK, added:
“FirstBank UK is proud to co-host this Closing Reception in partnership with Invest Africa and the Mayor of London. As a financial institution with deep roots across the Africa–UK corridor, we remain firmly committed to connecting the continent with global capital markets. Moments such as these, which bring together senior leaders from government, business and finance, play an important role in fostering the partnerships needed to drive meaningful progress. We look forward to welcoming delegates and to continuing the important conversations that will help shape the future of Africa–UK economic relations.”
The Closing Reception is by invitation only and open to delegates of The Africa Debate 2026 and the London-Africa Business Forum.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
For more information or media enquiries, please contact:
Fiona Hannig
Marketing & Communications Manager
Invest Africa
T: +44 2037 305 035
E: fiona.hannig@investafrica.com
About The Africa Debate:
The Africa Debate is London's premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 12th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa's evolving role in the global economy.
About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over seventy years' experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunity across Africa.
About FirstBank UK:
FirstBank UK is the UK subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria, one of Africa's largest and most established financial institutions. With a history spanning over 130 years, FirstBank UK provides a broad range of financial services connecting African and international markets, supporting trade, investment, and economic development across the continent.
About the Mayor of London:
Who We Are | London City Hall (https://apo-opa.co/434mRjX)
Before the press release. Before the media briefing. Before the agency decks. There was @Marambu on TikTok. A KFC employee accidentally revealed the brand’s upcoming ?5+5 Tuesday promo online, instantly triggering national chaos among hungry South Africans. The now-viral TikTok can be viewed here: https://www.tiktok.com/@marambu53/video/7643886037370080530 KFC’s response? The internet has since declared the employee: “Minister of …
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness of Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological condition often misunderstood. Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) causes repeated, involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. It usually begins in childhood, most commonly between the ages of five and ten, and tends to affect boys more often than girls. While many …
Friday, 29 May 2026: Eskom continues to make steady progress in strengthening power system stability as seasonal temperatures decline and electricity demand rises, safeguarding supply for all customers, including those reliant on rooftop solar when it is not available. These gains are driven by sustained improvements in plant performance, reliability, and operational discipline. System performance remains...
ATG Digital has partnered with transport management solution (TMS) provider Transnova to bridge a long-standing gap in logistics operations – the disconnect between planned schedules and real-world site activity. This initiative combines real-time access data with transport planning and execution intelligence to enable a more connected, responsive supply chain. The integration enables verified access data …
Statement by Toby Chance MP – DA Spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition: Today’s Trade, Industry and Competition portfolio committee meeting on the findings, recommendations and actions emanating from TSU International’s forensic investigation into governance failures at the SABS revealed that the institution remains in a critical condition. Minister Tau appointed TSU in February 2025 …
Statement by Henni Britz MP – DA NCOP Member on Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests: The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the commencement of Parliament’s comprehensive review of both the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests and the Executive Ethics Codes. This landmark process, embarked upon by the Joint Committee on …
Statement by Kevin Mileham MP – DA Spokesperson on Electricity and Energy: The Democratic Alliance has requested an urgent joint hearing of SCOPA and the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy into Eskom’s diesel procurement under Tender MWP2197GX. This has all the warning lights of Tegeta 2.0: massive Eskom procurement, politically sensitive fuel supply, favoured …
29 May 2026 – As the countdown continues to Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico next month, the South African senior men’s national team remains focused on the preparations for the global tournament. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges host Nicaragua in their final match in South Africa at Orlando Stadium
The post Bafana player profiles ahead of the international friendly match against Nicaragua appeared first on South African Football Association.
Key state witness is stranded in Dubai
Statement by Rikus Badenhorst MP – DA NCOP member of the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament: The DA is fighting for transparency in the matter of the salary hike, recruitment process and governance concerns of the Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, because for almost three months redacted documents have been kept …
For an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) entering South Africa, the product is rarely the challenge. The ecosystem is. Establishing a foothold in South Africa’s automotive market demands more than a competitive vehicle line-up. It requires an understanding of local consumer behaviour, a dealer network capable of converting interest into sales, and financial solutions that make …
Opinion Piece by the Netherlands captain Babette de Leede on behalf of the ICC: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is an amazing opportunity for us as a team to show the world the talent we have got. We can’t play cricket full-time in the Netherlands, so everyone needs to combine cricket with their …
The SPAR Group today announced its trading update and statement for the 26 weeks ended 27 March 2026 (H1 FY2026), reflecting a challenging first half for the business, with earnings impacted by operational pressures, elevated promotional activity, higher levels of debtor provisioning and a further cleanup of the balance sheet. Despite the weaker earnings outcome, …
At 15,000 rpm and 200km/h, there’s no room for guesswork. When superbikes thunder down the straight, every component must perform flawlessly. It’s not just about the rider’s skill. It’s also about the machine’s smallest parts. Victory is built on precision and, at the heart of this precision sits something no bigger than your little finger: …
Friday, 29 May 2026: Eskom notes the decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to approve the amended Negotiated Pricing Agreement (NPA) framework, including an interim concessionary pricing arrangement for participating ferrochrome smelters. The approval follows Eskom’s application submitted on 10 April 2026 and the public consultation and hearings held on 25...
ActionSA has today laid criminal charges against the Municipal Manager of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Musa Mbhele, for deliberately misleading Parliament during proceedings before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).
The post ActionSA Lays Criminal Charges Against eThekwini Municipal Manager for Lying to Parliament appeared first on ActionSA.
In the year 2026, the traditional model of “learn once, work forever” is well and truly obsolete. Lifelong learning – the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s career – is now an essential norm for success. Driven by rapid technological advancement, globalisation and economic disruption, professionals who embrace ongoing education thrive, while those …
Mental health experts, policymakers, civil society organizations and partners from more than twenty African countries, meeting for the first-ever mental health intercountry meeting, have called for stronger, coordinated action to close critical gaps in mental health services in the region.
Organized by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, with support from the Wellcome Trust, the meeting highlighted critical gaps in mental health systems and the challenges that limit access to mental health services. Participating countries committed to strengthening integrated, people-centred care, while aligning national priorities with regional and global targets.
Close to 150 million people in Africa are living with mental health, neurological and substance use related conditions, with limited access to integrated care. Despite growing recognition of mental health as a public health priority, services remain under-resourced, fragmented and often inaccessible, particularly in rural and underserved settings. Currently, only seven countries have implemented comprehensive mental health services at the primary health care level, and just 16 have dedicated mental health budget lines. Government spending averages less than US$0.07 per capita in the Region, far below what is required to meet rising needs and build resilient systems.
The mental health intercountry meeting, which concluded today for East and Southern African countries, provided a collaborative platform for countries to assess progress, identify challenges and realign national strategies with regional and global priorities in the bid to strengthen mental health systems and advance mental health care, accelerating progress towards the 2030 regional mental health targets. It also represents an important milestone in regional preparations for the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit scheduled for early 2027.
“African countries continue to face an immense burden from mental health conditions,” said Dr Benido Impouma, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO African Region. “We must invest in mental health with sustained resources. With the support of partners, WHO is committed to advancing the regional mental health strategy and ensuring that people living with mental health conditions receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Participants reflected on ways to strengthen mental health information systems, integrate mental health into primary health care, expand community-based services and enhance multisectoral collaboration.
“When mental health needs are neglected, health outcomes worsen, treatment adherence declines, disability increases and families and communities suffer. This is why the World Health Organization has consistently reminded us that there is no health without mental health. South Africa remains committed to strengthening mental health services as an integral component of universal health coverage through primary health care. Our policies and legislation promote the integration of mental health services within general health care services at community, primary health care facility and hospital levels', said South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Minister Motsoaledi added that strengthening mental health systems in the region requires a coordinated approach that centers people, evidence and community involvement.
Based on the rapid mental health landscape analyses developed by countries prior to the meeting, participants began drafting national mental health roadmaps outlining priority actions toward the 2030 targets as part of meeting procedures. These roadmaps will guide efforts to expand access to care, improve the availability of essential medicines, enhance suicide prevention and strengthen preparedness for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in emergencies.
Experts at the meeting also built momentum around fighting discrimination and stigma and working meaningfully with people with lived experience, through shared experiences and peer learning, countries identified common challenges, exchanged innovative practices and explored new opportunities to strengthen national and regional coordination — key steps in building more resilient and equitable mental health systems.
“In mental health, our ambition is simple: to support earlier and equitable access to effective care, guided by science and shaped by local context,” said Paul Spencer Head of Mental Health Policy at Wellcome Trust. “We are committed to working in partnership with governments and institutions across Africa toward common goals, such as those set out in the regional framework.
The next intercountry meeting, focusing on West and Central African countries, will take place from 15-18 July 2026 in Lome, Togo, continuing the momentum and expanding regional collaboration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
The budget process for the 2026/27 financial year of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) turned into a farce of maladministration and chaos, seriously undermining democratic processes. The Council was scheduled to meet on 28 May to discuss the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as well as the operating and capital budgets. However, the vast […]
The post Chaos and contempt for democracy in Nelson Mandela Bay appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The withdrawal of the Draft National AI Policy Framework shortly after its release, while unfortunate, can be viewed as among the best motivations to engage with the myriad AI risks and the need for such a framework. The Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, reported that the draft cited non-existent academic and legal sources, a failure …
The controversial R76 route linking Kroonstad and Steynsrus, which has been undergoing repairs for more than seven years, has already cost taxpayers more than R400 million, yet the road surface is still not properly fixed and sections are already starting to crumble again. This week, the Free State Legislature’s joint Portfolio Committees on Public Accounts […]
The post More than R400 million later and the R76 road to Steynsrus is still not fixed appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Launch of Rosebank International puts spotlight on accredited private higher education as demand grows for equitable recognition of university status IIE Rosebank College has announced its transformation to Rosebank International. The development marks the next stage in the institution’s move towards full university status and places renewed focus on the role accredited private higher education …