Africa Business Forum 2025: Unlocking the Potential for a Digital and Green Future
Africa Business Forum 2025 is the third time key players gather in Tallinn to foster and strengthen business ties between Estonia and African countries. This year’s forum will focus on the impact of digitalization on doing business in Africa, with a special emphasis on green and smart solutions, and innovative new partnerships.
ABF 2025 is an excellent platform for sharing knowledge, nurturing partnerships, and showcasing advancements. It is also an opportunity to discuss trade strategy, build networks, and learn about trends and developments in Africa.
Our aim is to enhance cooperation between Estonian and African businesses and organizations, creating new business opportunities and promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
THE FORUM IN A NUTSHELL
- Engaging panels on topical issues: digital governance, green future and new partnerships
- Practical breakout sessions and workshops
- Business EXPO area featuring African embassies
- A dedicated business networking area
WHO WILL BE THERE?
- Estonian companies interested in African markets
- African startups and companies looking for business partnerships
- Policymakers and government representatives from Estonia and the African nations
- Experts and thought leaders
- International financial institutions
- Business support organisations
- Investors, incubators and accelerators focusing on digital innovation and green technologies
The event is organised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is financed by the European Union Programme „NextGenerationEU”.
Key topics
DIGITAL GOVERNANCE ACCELERATING DOING BUSINESS IN AFRICA
Many African countries are experiencing rapid economic growth due to digitalisation. The expansion of internet and mobile connectivity across African nations lays out a fertile ground for the development of digital solutions in business models. Doing business can be accelerated with the use of efficient e-solutions.
The banking and telecom industries in Africa are mature, but are still growing at a strong pace. Africa’s banking market volume is over 200 billion USD and the telecoms account for well over 64 billion USD. Approaching one billion digital signatures for a country of 1.3 million people, reaffirms Estonia’s leadership in digital solutions. With 98% of bank payments conducted online or in apps, banks are benefitting immensely from smart and cost-saving e-solutions.
We will explore how Estonian digital solutions can address the needs of Africa’s businesses and how African countries already leverage Estonian ICT and e-governance solutions to improve public service delivery, better the business environment, and foster a digitally inclusive economy.
POWERING AFRICA’S GREEN FUTURE
Africa holds 60% of the world’s prime solar power resources and has more sunlight than any other continent. It holds 65% of the world’s untapped arable land and is the nest for much of the world’s minerals. Africa holds great potential for the development and implementation of green and clean technologies, contributing to sustainable economic growth and the achievement of climate goals.
As African nations invest heavily in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, the demand for innovative green technologies is increasing. Estonia’s leadership in the management and sharing of environmental data can support the development and deployment of green technologies.
This panel takes a look at the opportunities in Africa’s green economy, focusing on how data can support sustainable solutions in renewable energy, waste management and circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food security, and climate resilience.
UNLOCKING NEW PARTNERSHIPS
There are many organisations bringing the business communities in Europe and Africa closer to each other, building bridges between different business cultures and creating opportunities in the two continents. With the international business markets sensing challenging times ahead, it is a good time to strengthen Africa-Europe business relations.
With a combined 40 million km² and a population of over 2 billion people, there is plenty of room for various players to participate in business development between Europe and Africa. When speaking about trade promotion, we normally think of chambers of commerce and investors, but many NGOs, foundations, and international organisations also promote the expansion of business relations. They are often the only actors working at the grassroots level and supporting the most vulnerable.
In this panel, the focus is on how NGOs, foundations and international organisations support European-African business diplomacy by contributing to the strengthening of trade relations. We will also discuss how businesses operating in Africa can benefit from their programmes.
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