In collaboration with the Royal African Society, SBIA hosts business engagement forums on a bi-annual basis. The objective is for these forums to inform and inspire Scottish businesses interested in doing business in Africa and to engage African companies interested in collaborating with Scottish industry.
Covering all sectors, the SBIAF forums aim to connect high-level African and Scottish business leaders and improve mutual trade and relations. Through the dynamic networking sessions at the events, there is the unique opportunity to learn more about business operations in different contexts and obtain insights into cultural approaches across diverse environments. We feel that these forums will contribute to enhancing Scotland’s presence on the world stage and confirm the University of Edinburgh’s position as a leading global player in this area.
Royal African Society (RAS)
The Royal African Society is Britain’s foremost African organisation, which has historically promoted Africa in business, politics, culture and academia. It is a membership society that works to foster better understanding and strong relationships between Britain, Africa and the world.
The Society’s in-depth knowledge of the continent and collaborative approach to programmes and partnerships makes it the first choice for professionals and others who seek to engage, understand, celebrate or learn more about Africa. Its diverse membership body comprises individuals from all walks of life, and organisations, corporate and voluntary, who are passionate about Africa and its future.
SBIAF publishing and translation in Africa
In July 2017, SBIA hosted a forum on the theme of creative industries, publishing, and translating in Africa. Leading guest speakers included Louise Umutoni, Abdulai Silá and Jethro Soutar.
SBIAF water forum
In October 2016, SBIA were delighted to host the second Scottish Business in Africa Forum (SBIAF) which focused on the topic of governance and investment in the water sector. We were honoured to host two distinguished guests for the day – Anton Earle, Director of the African Regional Centre, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and Prince Mleta, Deputy Director of Water Resources for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Government of Malawi.
Inaugural event
On 4 May 2016, SBIA were honoured to welcome high level executives from the Nigerian Pension Commission as part of the inaugural SBIAF event. They shared their knowledge and experience from this exciting emerging market. Similarly, industry leaders from Scottish Pension Funds were also present to share their insights into operations in an exceptionally well-established market, arguably the heart of the international Pension Fund sector.
The main speaker for this event was Chinelo Anohu-Amazu who is the current Director General of the National Pension Commission, Nigeria – the regulator of the Nigerian pension industry.