Several heads of state and leading business people are scheduled to converge in Nairobi next month for a major international summit to discuss and explore collaborative opportunities on key issues affecting global economies.

Organisers estimate the summit, the first ever World Chambers Federation (WCF) meeting to be held in Africa, could earn Kenya over Sh1 billion in investment commitments through trade and business partnerships.

The summit to be held at the at the Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) between April 9 and 11, 2025 will attract participants from over 70 countries, including 500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 300 plus entrepreneurs, several Heads of State from across Africa, government officials, and global investors.

Regional integration

The Africa Summit 2025 will be hosted by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) of the International Chamber of Commerce and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).

Under the theme “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable,” the summit is expected to serve as a platform for fostering regional integration, advancing sustainable business practices, and unlocking investment opportunities across Africa.

“This is the first ever WCF Summit to be held in Africa. It is an opportunity that is so unique to unite leaders from around the world to discuss and collaborate on key issues that affect our economies. We are very confident that the discussions and the outcomes of the Summit will pave the way for meaningful progress and lasting impact.” John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce said.

Denton said the summit’s goal is to promote inclusive and sustainable growth by fostering partnerships, sharing best practices, and showcasing Africa’s readiness for international markets.

“This focus on collaboration creates valuable investment opportunities on a continent where the industrial sector contributes 22 percent to GDP,” he added.

Besides generating revenue for the Kenya government, the summit is also expected to showcase the country’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector, leveraging Nairobi as a gateway for African cultural and economic exploration.

KNCCI President Erick Rutto who also doubles up as the chairman of the International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Private Sector Forum said the forum is expected to open up Africa’s markets to the world.

“This summit is a defining moment for Africa to assert its role as a global trade leader. It will demonstrate Africa’s readiness to seamlessly integrate into global value chains, leveraging its immense potential. Studies show that deeper integration could boost African trade by $150 billion annually by 2030,” he stated.