Business leaders representing 200 million people across ten
rapidly growing African economies are gathering in Lomé, Togo
this week for a trade summit with the UK. Over 560 delegates from
442 companies are expected to attend.
The West and Central Africa Forum (WCAF) IV, taking place on
12-13 November 2025, marks the first time the event has been held
outside London since its launch in 2022, signalling the UK's
deepening commitment to African partnerships.
The two-day forum will see high-level bilateral meetings and
panel discussions focused on infrastructure development,
renewable energy, green growth and digital transformation sectors
critical to both African development and UK export opportunities.
Through WCAF, UKEF helps Francophone private-sector companies
access competitive financing whilst opening new markets for UK
exporters, creating a pipeline of opportunities that drives
growth and jobs in both regions.
Since last year's forum, UKEF - the UK's export credit agency and
ministerial government department - has supported projects
including an $11 million guarantee for a local mining contractor
in Guinea through Dints, directly linking UK expertise with
Guinean enterprise and job creation.
John Humphrey, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for
Africa, said:
Africa is home to some of the world's fastest growing markets. It
is a diverse, vibrant, innovative, and abundant continent,
offering a vast array of opportunities for UK businesses looking
to export and invest. WCAF IV is a powerful platform to deepen
our partnerships, drive inclusive growth, and unlock the
potential of UK-African collaboration.
DMA Invest CEO, Atam Sandhu, said:
This year's WCAF IV represents a high watermark in the trading
relationship between the UK and the Francophone nations of West
and Central Africa with over 600 government and industry leaders
travelling to Lomé with the largest single delegation made up of
the UK's private sector.
The choice of Togo is significant; a signal that the UK's
commitment is not distant or occasional, but local, practical and
long-term - built on mutual confidence, strengthened bilateral
ties, and a shared determination to be partners for the
long-term.
UKEF CEO, Tim Reid, said:
WCAF provides an excellent opportunity for UK businesses to build
long-term partnerships across Africa, promoting jobs and growth
at home.
We've seen numerous deals agreed in previous years, showcasing
how UKEF can make a real difference around the world whilst
filling the order books of UK companies. I'm sure WCAF IV will be
no different.
UKEF organises the summit alongside DMA Invest. Since 2022, the
forum has become a cornerstone platform for strengthening
UK-Africa trading relationships.
