2025 Financial Times Africa Summit to Tackle Trump-Era Policies as Malawi Reels from Visa Bond, Aid Cuts

The Financial Times has announced that the 12th edition of its flagship Africa Summit will take place in London on October 21–22, 2025, under the theme “Africa in a Changing World.” The high-level gathering will bring together African Heads of State, policymakers, CEOs, investors, and next-generation entrepreneurs to explore the continent’s place in an era of geopolitical upheaval, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change.

The backdrop is tense. In his second term, US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his “America First” policy, slashing most international aid, imposing punitive tariffs, and tightening immigration rules. Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, has been hit hard — losing vital USAID-linked funding in health, education, environment, and infrastructure.

Adding to the strain, Washington last week slapped Malawi and Zambia with a controversial requirement: citizens must now pay a visa bond of up to US$15,000 to enter the United States. For many, the move has been described as a diplomatic snub and an economic chokehold.

Trade tariffs have also bitten deep. Entire industries in vulnerable countries, like Lesotho’s garment sector, have collapsed under the cost of exporting to the US, with millions of jobs lost.

“The dramatic changes to America’s foreign policy in Donald Trump’s second term and his upending of the decades-old global trading system present challenges, uncertainties and risks for Africa as other outside powers intervene,” the Financial Times said in a statement.

Yet, the FT notes, there may also be opportunities if Africa can pivot toward trade and investment over aid.

Top Voices to Lead the Conversation
The speaker line-up reads like a who’s who of African leadership: African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer David Moinina Sengeh; Angola’s Finance Minister Vera Daves de Sousa; Infinity Power chairman Mohamed Mansour; and TotalEnergies Senior Vice-President for Africa Mike Sangster.

Ministers and business leaders from South Africa, Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Kenya, and Senegal will also take part. Discussions will range from policy reforms in key economies to advances in fintech, AI, and digital infrastructure.

The summit will spotlight Africa’s push toward renewable energy, industrial expansion, and the influence of youth-led entrepreneurship in shaping sustainable and inclusive growth.

Hosted annually in London, the FT Africa Summit has become a premier platform linking Africa to the global stage — attracting investors, development institutions, and thought leaders. This year’s edition promises to be a critical forum for redefining Africa’s global role amid shifting alliances and economic headwinds.