Scaling SMEs Through Digital Trade: Innovation Across the UK–Africa Corridor

London – The organisers of the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025 are pleased to announce the participation of Alex Cole, Venture Partner and Chair of the GBCC Black Business Collective at TIN Ventures, as a featured panel speaker. This year’s summit, set for Friday, 12 September 2025 at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place in London, is designed to deliver actionable value for senior business executives seeking to drive growth, forge partnerships, and shape the future of UK–Africa commerce.

Organised by Leading Global Partners

The summit is organised in collaboration with the UK Department for Business & Trade, UK Export Finance (UKEF), the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the Commonwealth, the International Trade Committee, and the India Overseas Trust (IOT). Since its inception, the summit has welcomed more than 3,700 participants and will this year convene over 500 senior stakeholders—including investors, business leaders, policymakers, and diaspora entrepreneurs—to strengthen UK–Africa partnerships and boost investment in high-growth sectors across East and Southern Africa.

Key supporters include the Uganda High Commission (UK), Uganda Investment Authority, UK–Pakistan Trade & Investment Board, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and regional chambers of commerce from London, Greater Manchester, Birmingham, and North & Western Lancashire, alongside African trade and investment agencies.

What Senior Executives Will Gain

• Exclusive Access to High-Growth Sectors: Engage with bankable projects and investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, and financial services.
• Direct Networking with Decision-Makers: Connect with over 500 senior-level peers, including CEOs, investors, government officials, and diaspora leaders, to build cross-border partnerships and unlock new business channels.
• Actionable Market Intelligence: Gain insights into regulatory trends, market dynamics, and the realities of doing business in East and Southern Africa from sector leaders and policymakers.
• Deal-Making and Investor Matchmaking: Participate in sessions designed for real business outcomes, including investor matchmaking, project showcases, and public-private partnership opportunities.
• Influence Policy and Industry Dialogue: Join high-level discussions that shape the regulatory and business environment for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Alex Cole will join a distinguished panel to discuss “Boosting Productivity and Enhancing SME Competitiveness through International Trade – A UK–Africa Business Exchange Approach.” Delegates will learn practical strategies for leveraging international trade, digital-first export support, and cross-border collaboration to drive SME productivity and ensure that diverse entrepreneurs and underrepresented communities are central to economic transformation.

About Alex Cole

Alex Cole is a recognised entrepreneur, impact investor, and policy advocate for inclusive innovation and sustainable industry. As CEO of TIN Ventures, he leads initiatives that address social mobility and climate challenges, helping UK startups and SMEs unlock global markets.