Bridging Cultures and Economies: Inaugural UK Africa Trade Expo launched to high acclaim
The inaugural UK Africa Trade Expo which took place at London’s Institute of Director (IoD) on 27th October – the eve of the 13th Edition of African Fashion Week London, has been hailed as a potential gamechanger in transformative dialogue and space, where cultures converge, ideas flourish, and collaborations would thrive.
A brainchild of Prince Kamari Ademiluyi, the UK Africa Trade Expo (UKATE) brought a full house of business experts, diplomats, innovators, and enthusiastic entrepreneurs for a day filled with invigorating and inspirational discussions. Prince Kamari is also co-founder of Africa Fashion Week London – Europe’s largest showcase of fashion and textile design from Africa and its Diaspora.
In a keynote speech delivered virtually, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi – the traditional ruler and monarch of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, described the UKATE as “cross-sectoral and multilayered initiative” which he fully supports.
‘As UK Africa Trade Expo brings MSMEs together, we embrace the challenges of collective responsibility for fostering economic growth, compassion for improving economic opportunities for women and young people, and act as catalysts for transformational change of local and regional ecosystems through International Trade Development,” the King said in his speech.
UKATE pillars
Anchored on six key pillars: connectivity and innovation; data and market information; cluster and sector development; supply chain collaboration and logistics; business education and knowledge transfer; infrastructure investment and joint ventures; UKATE’s aim is indeed to strengthen culture and commerce between the United Kingdom and Africa, with special emphasis on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and youth empowerment.
“…[these] six key pillars integrate sustainability, social value, and environmental considerations within competitive markets. This demonstrates a way to build capacity for collaboration, trust, and cooperation,” said the King adding further:
“In addition to its extensive business support systems and Chambers of Commerce movement, the UK is a trade and investment hub with historical ties to Commonwealth countries that can facilitate opportunities for MSMES. These businesses are crucial for economic growth, job creation, and drive entrepreneurship and innovation.”
And that was the at exact message speaker after speaker, relayed at the event as they discusses diverse topics including cutting-edge technology, innovation, revolutionising farming, the entertainment, disrupting the fashion industry and much more.
Going Global
In her speech officially opening the event, Africa Fashion Week London Founder – Her Royal Majesty Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi of Ife – who is also the co-founder of UKATE, reiterated the importance of the expo stating: “Our mission is to cultivate innovation and cultural enrichment that empowers and extends beyond the boundaries of Africa… AFWL has showcased over 2000 MSMEs to a global audience [so far… I am therefore proud to be the co-founder of the UK Africa Trade Expo. And this event reflects how we are expanding globally, and taking the Africa Fashion Week London to beyond being a fashion platform to being an integrator of the entire value chain of the fashion industry.”
In attendance were influential figures and businesspeople from different institutions such as Providus Bank, Kings College, and Henley Business School, as well as representatives from the Bauchi State government, including the Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Cooperatives and SMEs, and Commissioner for Youth Empowerment.
As it prepares for its next event at the IoD come February 2024, looking to the future, UKATE aims to go beyond the confines of London.
