UK–Francophone West & Central Africa Trade & Investment Forum

On 20–21 October 2026, Conakry hosted the fifth edition of the UK–Francophone West & Central Africa Trade & Investment Forum (WCAF V), marking a significant milestone in the Forum’s journey and a new chapter in UK–Africa economic engagement.

Bringing together over 1,500 participants, 12 participating countries and four observer nations, this year’s edition was our most ambitious yet.

Held under the High Patronage of His Excellency President Mamadi Doumbouya and officially opened by His Excellency Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, WCAF V brought together government leaders, investors, development finance institutions, businesses and strategic partners around a common purpose: moving from dialogue to delivery.

From high-level country dialogues and sector-focused discussions to bilateral engagements, Deal Rooms and the signing of new agreements, Conakry demonstrated what becomes possible when political ambition, financial capacity and private-sector expertise come together.

The Forum also provided the backdrop for significant announcements, including over £330 million in prospective UK export contracts supported by £1.1 billion in UKEF financing and guarantees, alongside a new strategic cooperation framework between UK Export Finance and the African Development Bank.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our Host Country, the Government and people of the Republic of Guinea, alongside SIMANDOU 2040, for their extraordinary hospitality, trust and commitment. We extend particular appreciation to H.E. President Mamadi Doumbouya, H.E. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and H.E. Minister Ismaël Nabé, whose leadership and support were instrumental to this edition.

We are equally grateful to HM Government, DMA Invest, and UK Export Finance, our Strategic Partner, for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to strengthening economic ties between the United Kingdom and Francophone West and Central Africa.

To our speakers, participating delegations, and every organisation that contributed to this milestone, thank you. A gathering of this scale relies on a formidable coalition, and we extend our special appreciation to Dinner Sponsor HITECH, Official Carrier Brussels Airlines, Awards Partner MAXIA, and Media Partners Bloomberg and Forbes.

We are proud to have been supported by an exceptional group of sponsors whose contributions helped make WCAF V possible: ACC, AFG Bank, Agentis Health Group, AQUA AFRICA, BCI, BEKO Capital Advisory, CMS, CPCS, Dar, Deutsche Bank, D!NTS, Ecobank, Elecnor, INFRAGROUP, Intertek, IOB SARL, KDAW, King Stage, PROPAV Infrastructure, QGMI, RAINBO, Rio Tinto, Skykapital, SNAPE, THIAM & Associés, and VIVAJETS.

Furthermore, the bridge between policy and investment was fortified by our Institutional and Country Partners. We thank British International Investment, CAMPEA, Manufacturing Africa, Oxford Business Group, PIDG, and RICS, alongside our chamber and investment agency partners across the region: the Senegal UK Chamber of Commerce and the UK Cameroon Chamber of Commerce (UKCCC), ANAPI, APIEx, API, API Congo, APIM, APIX Senegal, APIZF, CEPICI, and the Guinea Development Board (GDB).

As we look ahead, WCAF V stands as a testament to what can be achieved through sustained partnership, shared ambition and a commitment to turning opportunity into tangible outcomes. The relationships strengthened, agreements advanced and opportunities identified in Conakry provide a strong foundation for the work ahead. We leave Guinea with renewed purpose and a clear ambition: to build on this momentum, deepen UK–Africa economic partnerships, and translate dialogue into lasting investment, trade and shared prosperity. We look forward to welcoming you to the next chapter of the WCAF journey.