The fifth edition of the India-Africa Entrepreneurship and Investment Summit is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 17-18, 2025. This premier business event will bring together leaders from India’s US$4 trillion economy and Africa’s US$3.5 trillion frontier markets to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
Strategic Partnership Between Economic Powerhouses
The summit represents a significant milestone in strengthening business relationships between two of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. With India’s economy valued at US$4 trillion and Africa’s frontier markets representing US$3.5 trillion in economic potential, the event creates unprecedented opportunities for cross-continental collaboration.
High-Profile Hosting Partnership
The India Africa Business Network (IABN) is hosting the summit in collaboration with several key organizations:
- Kenya Investment Authority – Kenya’s premier investment promotion agency
- India Kenya Business Council – Facilitating bilateral trade relationships
- TiE Africa – Supporting entrepreneurship across the continent
- Additional ecosystem partners – Creating a comprehensive business network
This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive coverage of investment opportunities, policy frameworks, and market entry strategies for businesses from both regions.
Distinguished Keynote Speaker
The summit will open with a keynote address from Ravi Venkatesan, a prominent figure in global entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Venkatesan serves as:
- Chair of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
- Founder of the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship
His expertise in mass entrepreneurship and sustainable energy solutions aligns perfectly with the summit’s focus on creating impactful business partnerships between India and Africa.
Prominent Business Leaders and Policymakers
The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and participants, including:
Business Leaders:
- Raman Roy – Chairman and Managing Director of Quatrro, a leading business process management company
Government Officials:
- H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo – Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, bringing policy expertise on digital transformation
- John Mwendwa – CEO of Kenya Investment Authority, offering insights into Kenya’s investment landscape
Impact Investors:
- Various prominent impact investors focused on driving sustainable development across both regions
Building the India-Africa Growth Corridor
Baljinder Sharma, convenor at IABN, emphasized the summit’s strategic importance:
“The presence of these eminent leaders signals a deepening commitment to the India–Africa growth corridor. This year’s summit aims to inspire actionable collaboration and build sustainable bridges between two of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurial regions.”
Focus Areas and Opportunities
The summit is expected to cover several key areas:
Investment Opportunities:
- Cross-border venture capital and private equity investments
- Infrastructure development projects
- Technology transfer initiatives
- Market entry strategies for both regions
Sector-Specific Collaborations:
- Fintech and digital financial services
- Healthcare and pharmaceutical partnerships
- Agricultural technology and food security
- Renewable energy and climate solutions
- Manufacturing and industrial development
Knowledge Exchange:
- Best practices in entrepreneurship development
- Regulatory frameworks for international business
- Cultural considerations for cross-border operations
- Success stories from existing India-Africa partnerships
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The summit comes at a crucial time when both India and Africa are experiencing significant economic growth and technological advancement. The event aims to:
- Facilitate bilateral trade relationships worth billions of dollars
- Create job opportunities across both regions
- Support sustainable development goals
- Foster innovation through cross-cultural collaboration
- Build long-term strategic partnerships
Registration and Participation
The two-day summit in Nairobi promises to be a landmark event for businesses, investors, and policymakers interested in tapping into the immense potential of India-Africa economic cooperation. The event provides a unique platform for networking, deal-making, and strategic planning for organizations looking to expand their presence in these rapidly growing markets.
With the combined economic strength of US$7.5 trillion between the two regions, the summit represents one of the most significant business events of 2025 for cross-continental entrepreneurship and investment.
