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Tropics
Summit

South Africa — Host of the 9th annual Tropics Summit & Countries Showcase from 26 – 29 November 2025, boosting Nation Branding, Tourism & Investment under the G20 Presidency.

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TROPICS SUMMIT 2025

Held on the sidelines of the G20 in Johannesburg, the 9th annual *TROPICS SUMMIT & COUNTRIES SHOWCASE* stands as Africa’s strategic platform for sustainable investments, transcontinental alliances, and new pathways to inclusive growth. For the first time in *G20* history, *South Africa* assumes the *G20 Presidency* (November 2024 – December 2025), solidifying its role as Africa’s gateway economy. This historic moment offers an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate regional integration, intra-African trade, and the effective implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — benefiting all 54 African Independent Nations.

At the heart of multilateral dialogues and public-private engagements (G2G, G2B, PPP, B2B, B2C), the *Tropics Summit 2025* gathers a high-level ecosystem of governments, development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, corporations, startups, impact entrepreneurs, and the African economic diaspora. As a premier platform for economic cooperation and investment diplomacy, the Summit offers direct access to key growth sectors including energy, infrastructure, health, finance, technology, industry, tourism, intra-African trade, nation branding, and scientific research. For nine years, the Tropics Summit has remained the leading hub where Africa’s sovereign, bold, and sustainable future takes shape.

Top Reasons to Join

Reasons Why You Should Participate

Founder / Entrepreneur

Access investors and strategic partners Showcase. Your solutions to an international audience. Join mentorship sessions and hands-on workshops.

Investor

Discover high-potential projects and innovative startups. Participate in exclusive dealrooms and matchmaking sessions. Expand your network across Africa and beyond.

Institution / Organization

Meet key public and private decision-makers. Strengthen your positioning in emerging markets. Contribute to strategic discussions on Africa’s future.

Meet the Experts

Join our changemakers and speakers lineup

Meet our Speakers

Calling all captains of industry, visionary founders, top investors, industry leaders, and policymakers shaping Africa’s economic future — join our speaker lineup and be the voice that drives the continent forward!

300

Participants

150

speakers

300

Topics

20

awards

Hall of Fame

Distinguished Speakers & Dignitaries

H.E Prof Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Former President of the Republic of Mauritius

Former President of the Republic of Mauritius

H.E Dr Débora Katisa Carvalho

First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde

First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde

H.E Ana Dias Lourenço

First Lady of the Republic of Angola

First Lady of the Republic of Angola

H.E Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi

H.E Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi

First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo

H.E José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde

H.E Amadou Koné

Minister of Transports of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Minister of Transports of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

H.E Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo

Expert Designer

Minister of Small Enterprises and Handicrafts of the Republic of Congo

H.E Pedro Lopes

Secretary of State for Digital Economy of the Government of the Republic of Cabo Verde

Secretary of State for Digital Economy of the Government of the Republic of Cabo Verde

H.E Tiguidanke Camara

Chairwoman & Founder, Tigui Holdings

Chairwoman & Founder, Tigui Holdings

H.E Wamkele Mene

Secretary-general of African Continental Free Trade Area

Secretary-general of African Continental Free Trade Area

Mrs Ifeoma Dozie

Marketing and Communications Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, MASTERCARD MEA

Marketing and Communications Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, MASTERCARD MEA

Mr Stanislas Zeze-Bayard

CEO, Bloomfield Investment Corporation

CEO, Bloomfield Investment Corporation

Mrs Roberta Annan

CEO of Annan Capital Partners, Investor and Philanthropist at the African Fashion Foundation

CEO of Annan Capital Partners, Investor and Philanthropist at the African Fashion Foundation

Mrs Cecilia Akintomide

Seasoned Executive with expertise in Development Finance and Former AfDB's secretary general and Vice President

Seasoned Executive with expertise in Development Finance and Former AfDB's secretary general and Vice President

Mr Firmin Edouard Matoko

DG Election Candidate / Former Assistant Director-General, UNESCO

DG Election Candidate / Former Assistant Director-General, UNESCO

Dr Ngone Diop

Director of the Sub-Regional Office of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for Western Africa

Director of the Sub-Regional Office of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for Western Africa

Mr Sergio Carlos Macamo

Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Republic of Mozambique in South Africa / Special Envoy of APIEX - Moçambique

Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Republic of Mozambique in South Africa / Special Envoy of APIEX - Moçambique

Mrs Thyna Ngaloula

CEO & Founder, Intelligencya Skills

CEO & Founder, Intelligencya Skills

Hon. Francisco Carvalho

The Mayor of the City Council of Praia, Cabo Verde

The Mayor of the City Council of Praia, Cabo Verde

Mrs Claudia Yoka

Multi Awards-Winning Filmmaker & President of Tazama Festival

Multi Awards-Winning Filmmaker & President of Tazama Festival

Mr Stephane Tiki

Vice President of the Groupement du Patronat Francophone & CEO of CHABA Consulting

Vice President of the Groupement du Patronat Francophone & CEO of CHABA Consulting

Mrs Shirley Billot

CEO & Founder, Kadalys Group

CEO & Founder, Kadalys Group

Mrs. Annick Mongo

Director General of the API – Investment Promotion Agency of Congo / Special Adviser to the Prime Minister

Director General of the API – Investment Promotion Agency of Congo / Special Adviser to the Prime Minister

Mrs Josielle Rafidi

CEO of Economic Development Board (EDB) Madagascar

CEO of Economic Development Board (EDB) Madagascar

Dr Rachid Oumlil

Full professor in digital management and innovation at ENCG-Agadir-Ibn Zohr University / President of ARCID Morocco

Full professor in digital management and innovation at ENCG-Agadir-Ibn Zohr University / President of ARCID Morocco

Mrs Christiane Codjo TOSSOU

Vice Président, Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Bénin

Vice Président, Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Bénin

Mr Romarick Atoké

Architect & Designer / Director of Global Archiconsult

Architect & Designer / Director of Global Archiconsult

Mrs Firdoze Bulbulia

Multi Awards Winning producer of feature film documentaries, animations and theatre producer, director and trainer

Multi Awards Winning producer of feature film documentaries, animations and theatre producer, director and trainer

TROPICS OPPORTUNITIES DESKS

Finance, Banking & Insurance

Participants: Banks, insurance groups, fintechs, DFIs Why Participate: Capital markets expansion, inclusive finance growth Opportunities: Closed Investor Roundtables, Deal Structuring Labs SDG Focus: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 9 (Innovation)

Wealth & Asset Management

Participants: Private banks, family offices, hedge funds, wealth managers Why Participate: Mobilize long-term, private, and diaspora capital Opportunities: VIP Family Office Summits, Private Capital Access SDG Focus: SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 17 (Partnerships)

Venture Capital, Private Equity & Microfinance

Participants: VC funds, PE firms, microfinance funds, accelerators Why Participate: SME scaling, startup financing, high-growth pipeline Opportunities: Venture Pitch Days, Fund Managers Dealroom SDG Focus: SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 10

Agro-Industry, FoodTech & Food Security

Participants: Agribusinesses, food processors, agri-investors, DFIs Why Participate: Secure food value chains, regional agro-industrialization Opportunities: Agro-Investment Forums, FoodTech Innovation Labs SDG Focus: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption)

Mining, Hydrocarbons, Oil & Gas

Participants: Mining companies, oil majors, EPC contractors Why Participate: Monetize extractives with sustainable models Opportunities: Commodities Investment Summits, Resource Panels SDG Focus: SDG 7 (Clean Energy Access), SDG 9 (Industry Innovation)

Clean Energy, Climate & Renewables

Participants: Clean energy developers, climate funds, impact investors Why Participate: Lead energy transition & climate finance opportunities Opportunities: Climate & Energy Dealroom, Green Infrastructure Tracks SDG Focus: SDG 7, SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Blue Economy & Fisheries

Participants: Fisheries operators, blue economy investors, ocean funds Why Participate: Unlock marine resources & sustainability pathways Opportunities: Blue Economy Roundtables, Ocean Impact Sessions SDG Focus: SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13

Intra-African Trade & Export

Participants: Export banks, trade platforms, logistics operators Why Participate: Activate AfCFTA, scale cross-border trade deals Opportunities: Intra-Africa Trade Showcases, Export Forums SDG Focus: SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 17

Technology, AI & Cybersecurity

Participants: Global tech firms, AI labs, cybersecurity platforms Why Participate: Drive leapfrog innovation & digital sovereignty Opportunities: AI Demo Days, Tech Governance Panels SDG Focus: SDG 9, SDG 16 (Peace & Institutions)

Telecom, Smart Cities & Digital Infrastructure

Participants: Telecom groups, smart city developers, IT infrastructure firms Why Participate: Build digital backbones for cities of the future Opportunities: Smart Cities Forums, Digital Infrastructure Labs SDG Focus: SDG 9, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)

Healthcare, Pharma & Nutrition

Participants: Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms Why Participate: Close healthcare delivery gaps & scale health innovation Opportunities: Health Investment Forums, Biotech Pitch Sessions SDG Focus: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being)

Education, Training & Human Capital

Participants: Universities, EdTech platforms, HR firms, skills agencies Why Participate: Build future-ready talent pools across regions Opportunities: Education Labs, Talent Mobility Dialogues SDG Focus: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8

Social Economy, Philanthropy & Impact Investing

Participants: Foundations, philanthropies, impact funds, DFIs Why Participate: Align business growth with social progress Opportunities: Impact Investing Summits, Philanthropy Dialogues SDG Focus: SDG 1, SDG 10, SDG 17

Transport, Aviation & Mobility

Participants: Airlines, airports, logistics firms, automotive OEMs Why Participate: Close critical infrastructure and mobility gaps Opportunities: Aviation Panels, Mobility Innovation Labs SDG Focus: SDG 9, SDG 11

New Deal Tech & Digital Diplomacy

Participants: Big Tech, sovereign funds, digital policy makers Why Participate: Lead the geopolitical digital shift Opportunities: New Deal Tech Panels, Soft Power Summits SDG Focus: SDG 9, SDG 16, SDG 17

B2B Services, SaaS & Digitalization

Participants: SaaS providers, B2B marketplaces, IT solutions providers Why Participate: Support business digital transformation across industries Opportunities: SaaS Demo Days, B2B Digital Showcases SDG Focus: SDG 8, SDG 9

E-Commerce, Youth & Women Inclusion

Participants: E-commerce leaders, inclusion platforms, gender funds Why Participate: Empower youth & women-led digital ventures Opportunities: Youth & Women Tech Panels, Inclusion Summits SDG Focus: SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8, SDG 10

Creative & Cultural Industries (CCI)

Participants: Media groups, entertainment companies, gaming studios, esports platforms Why Participate: Export culture, monetize Africa & Caribbean soft power Opportunities: Creative Industries Pavilions, Global Licensing Forums SDG Focus: SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 17

Luxury, TravelTech & Ecotourism

Participants: Luxury brands, DMCs, hospitality groups, eco-resorts Why Participate: Scale luxury tourism and experiential markets Opportunities: Luxe & Lifestyle Summits, High-End Tourism Labs SDG Focus: SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Architecture, Urbanism & PropTech

Participants: Architects, urban planners, PropTech startups, real estate developers Why Participate: Build sustainable, inclusive, future cities Opportunities: Future Cities Forums, Smart Urbanism Labs SDG Focus: SDG 11, SDG 9, SDG 13

Save the Date

Event Schedule

South Africa Business Tourism Experience (On-demand):

Visits to Gauteng business hubs, innovation centers & cultural initiatives.

TROPICS Brands Showcase:

20-min segments per brand, including pitch, Q&A, live demos, and giveaways.

TROPICS Startups SpeedPitch & Dealroom:

10 startup pitches + investor matchups.

Impact Investors Convergence Forum:

Networking cocktail with the unveiling of the « 250 Investors & Family Offices Powerlist. »

Founders & Investors Nexus:

Live startup pitch stage in fintech, AI, greentech, and more.

Africa Jobs, Skills & Talents Agora:

Panels, job fairs, diaspora & academic sessions.

Networking & Matchmaking Hub:

Country-specific and sector-specific meetings.

Parallel Tracks:
  • Country showcases (1h per nation)
  • Africa–Caribbean Creative Economy Talks
  • Youth & skills matchmaking sessions (with HR companies)

High-Level Roundtable:

First Ladies, Women Heads of State, UN agencies & philanthropists discuss women’s empowerment.

Networking Buffet & Gifting Ceremony:

Delegations connect informally with women entrepreneurs and African DOers.

Women, Capital & Inclusion Summit:

Panels across tech, climate, health, governance, finance, philanthropy.

TWiB Pitch & Dealroom – Women Leaders Edition:

Female founders pitch to gender-smart investors.

Female founders pitch to gender-smart investors.

Curated experiences across tourism, fashion, design, media, and innovation hubs.

Tropics Impact Gala & African DOers Awards:

Fashion show, performances, and the unveiling of investor and DOers Powerlists.

High-Level Dealrooms:

Investor-startup pitch rounds, sponsored showcases, and investment meetings.

CSR Activations & Sponsored Networking:

VIP breakfasts, cocktails, and partnership zones.

Don't Miss

Choose a ticket

South African Delegate

ZAR

850

General Networking with industry leaders and entrepreneurs

Lunch & refreshments daily

Delegate welcome kit

Benefits: - Access all summit sessions and workshops (Standard Pass for 1 local delegate)

International Delegate

1,850

Recommend

1 Keynote Talk or 1 Panel Discussion/Roundtable

Up to 2 Investors/Peers Dealrooms

Networking opportunities

5-night stay at a 5-star hotel (breakfasts, dinners, buffet lunches)

Lunch & refreshments during summit

Delegate welcome kit

Benefits: - Access all sessions and workshops

International Delegate (VIP)

3,350

Priority seating

1 Keynote Talk + 1 Panel Discussion/Roundtable

Exclusive VIP networking and receptions

- Access to up to 4 Investors/Peers Dealrooms

Personalized concierge

VIP goodie bag

Benefits: Plus all Standard benefits

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Our Sponsors and Premium Partners

Official Sponsors
Ecosystem Partners

Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde

Despite ongoing economic challenges, the Cape Verdean government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure through the development of clusters and improved access to financing. The Tropics Business Summit, supported by the city of Praia, has fostered investments, networking, and funding mobilization for SMEs, while reinforcing public-private collaboration for sustainable growth across Africa.

H.E. José Ulisses de Pina CORREIA E SILVA

Minister of Transport, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

On behalf of President Alassane Ouattara, I commend Cape Verde’s hospitality and thank the organizers of the 6th Tropics Business Summit for providing a strategic platform focused on cooperation, competitiveness, and youth inclusion. I emphasized the critical role of transport infrastructure in Africa’s development and called for increased support to enhance connectivity and boost intra-African trade.

H.E. Amadou KONE

Mayor of Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde

The Tropics Business Summit (TBS) is an independent international organization, led by visionary young African leaders, committed to advancing Africa’s growth by engaging prominent figures across politics, economics, culture, and society to shape pan-African and global industrial agendas. We applaud the founder’s forward-looking vision and encourage Ms. Venicia Guinot to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring change.

Hon. Francisco CARVALHO
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