Business leaders representing 200 million people across ten rapidly growing African economies are gathering in Lomé, Togo this week for a trade summit with the UK. Over 560 delegates from 442 companies are expected to attend.
The West and Central Africa Forum (WCAF) IV, taking place on 12-13 November 2025, marks the first time the event has been held outside London since its launch in 2022, signalling the UK’s deepening commitment to African partnerships.
The two-day forum will see high-level bilateral meetings and panel discussions focused on infrastructure development, renewable energy, green growth and digital transformation sectors critical to both African development and UK export opportunities.
Through WCAF, UKEF helps Francophone private-sector companies access competitive financing whilst opening new markets for UK exporters, creating a pipeline of opportunities that drives growth and jobs in both regions.
Since last year’s forum, UKEF – the UK’s export credit agency and ministerial government department – has supported projects including an $11 million guarantee for a local mining contractor in Guinea through Dints, directly linking UK expertise with Guinean enterprise and job creation.
John Humphrey, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, said
Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing markets. It is a diverse, vibrant, innovative, and abundant continent, offering a vast array of opportunities for UK businesses looking to export and invest. WCAF IV is a powerful platform to deepen our partnerships, drive inclusive growth, and unlock the potential of UK-African collaboration.
DMA Invest CEO, Atam Sandhu, said
This year’s WCAF IV represents a high watermark in the trading relationship between the UK and the Francophone nations of West and Central Africa with over 600 government and industry leaders travelling to Lomé with the largest single delegation made up of the UK’s private sector.
The choice of Togo is significant; a signal that the UK’s commitment is not distant or occasional, but local, practical and long-term – built on mutual confidence, strengthened bilateral ties, and a shared determination to be partners for the long-term.
UKEF CEO, Tim Reid, said
WCAF provides an excellent opportunity for UK businesses to build long-term partnerships across Africa, promoting jobs and growth at home.
We’ve seen numerous deals agreed in previous years, showcasing how UKEF can make a real difference around the world whilst filling the order books of UK companies. I’m sure WCAF IV will be no different.
UKEF organises the summit alongside DMA Invest. Since 2022, the forum has become a cornerstone platform for strengthening UK-Africa trading relationships.