The Royal African Society will celebrate its 125th Anniversary of advancing understanding, collaboration and shared prosperity between Africa and the United Kingdom on 22 July 2026.
The anniversary ceremony will be hosted at the iconic London Stock Exchange, and will bring together influential leaders across finance, business, diplomacy, technology, culture and policy for a day of high-level dialogue and strategic engagements.
According to the society, key highlights of the anniversary celebration will include closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the bell at the London Stock Exchange, high-level sector discussions and fireside chats, announcement of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa, presentation of the 125th Anniversary Philanthropy Awards as well a strategic networking reception for global leaders and investors.
Commenting on the anniversary and its significance to the society Arunma Oteh OON, Chairperson of the Royal African Society said: “For 125 years the Royal African Society has served as a bridge between Africa and the United Kingdom, bringing together academia, leaders, innovators, investors, artists and policy makers, to build strong partnerships founded in a mutual respect and shared opportunity. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we are honouring this rich heritage. We are looking ahead to Africa’s extraordinary future and its role globally as where Africa goes is where the world will go.”
The celebration of celebrating 125 years of an enduring UK–Africa collaboration, investment, innovation and influence is expected to mark a defining moment in the Society’s history as it honours its legacy and celebrates its impact while looking ahead to a rewarding future of African and British partnership and the positioning London as a leading gateway for African capital.
Confirmed speakers include: His Royal Highness, The Emir of Kano and Khalifa Sanusi II, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Samaila Zubairu, ONL, President and CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); Leslie Maasdorp, EO and Executive Director, British International Investment (BII); Benedict Oramah, Board member, Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund, Patron of the Royal African Society and Chairman of Africa Trading Minerals; Jeanine Mabunda, Managing Partner for Chrysos and Former National Assembly Speaker, DRC; Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO, Nuvion; Stella Nse Okuzu, Director and CEO, Royal African Society and Anne Marie Dias Borges, Journlist and Broadcaster, BBC.
Other speakers and guests include Abi Ajayi, Head of Primary Markets, Middle East & Africa, London Stock Exchange Group; Gbite Oduneye, Founder and Managing Partner, ODBA Venture Capital; Oladapo Oyebanjo aka D’Banj, Musician and Founder, DB Records; and Lilian Olubi CEO, EFG Hermes Nigeria.
