UK–Africa Business Growth & Innovation Summit 2026 Unites Entrepreneurs, Innovators And Business Leaders
The UK–Africa Business Growth & Innovation Summit 2026 successfully concluded at the
Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough, bringing together over 250 entrepreneurs, business owners,
professionals, innovators, community leaders, investors, students and diaspora stakeholders
from across the UK.
Organised by The Diaspora Code and Founders Bridge CIC, the summit was held under the
theme, “Shaping the Future of UK–Africa Business Through Entrepreneurship,
Innovation, Trade Collaboration.” The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing,
networking and discussions on opportunities to strengthen business relationships between
the UK and Africa.
Participants travelled from cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle,
Derby, Hull and Scotland to attend the one-day summit, which featured keynote presentations,
panel discussions, networking sessions, business showcases and award presentations.
The summit opened with a welcome from the organisers, who emphasised the importance of
creating platforms that improve visibility, credibility and market access for African
entrepreneurs and professionals. A Community Welcome Address was delivered by Sade
Sangowawa, Founder of Taste of Africa North East, who spoke on the role of enterprise,
culture and collaboration in building stronger communities.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Gary Macdonald, Founder of FinRegen Limited, on
“Building Sustainable Businesses: How SMEs Can Use Sustainability for Growth”, offering
practical insights into sustainable business development.
Three panel sessions formed the core of the summit. The first, Trade Business
Opportunities, explored UK–Africa trade, beauty entrepreneurship, market access and
opportunities within the health and social care sector, featuring Etombra Aderemi, Babatope
Lewis and Damilola Ajayi.
The second panel, Business Growth Strategies, focused on scaling businesses, building
strong brands and attracting customers in the UK market. Speakers included Henry Obot, Lucy
Okafor and Gary Macdonald.
The final session, Innovation & Technology, examined artificial intelligence, digital
entrepreneurship and technology-driven business growth. Panelists included Ajibola Agbaje,
Olawale Bamidele, Samson Adewole and Kudakwashe Gumboreshumba.
Beyond the discussions, attendees participated in networking sessions that encouraged
collaboration and business partnerships. In recognition of their contributions, all keynote
speakers, panelists and facilitators received Appreciation & Participation Plaques from The
Diaspora Code and Founders Bridge CIC.
Attendees described the summit as insightful, impactful and highly valuable, highlighting the
quality of the speakers, practical discussions and networking opportunities.
As part of the event, several outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders
were also recognised for their contributions to business development, community impact and
leadership.
Award recipients included:
Adeline Texas – Community Impact & Business Leadership Award
Henry Obot – Community Impact & Business Leadership Award
Tolase Jaiyeoba – Leadership & Community Service Award
Sade Sangowawa – Lifetime Achievement Award for Community & Cultural Leadership
Lucy Okafor – Outstanding Women Empowerment & Leadership Award
Babatope Lewis – Outstanding Contribution in Business & Entrepreneurship Award
Several attendees and businesses also received sponsored business support packages,
consultation opportunities, vouchers and special gifts donated by event partners, including
Horeb Limited, Abdul Stores and Arewa Beauty, alongside other supporters.
The summit marked another milestone for The Diaspora Code, as the organisation
celebrated one year of supporting African entrepreneurs through business networking,
educational programmes, media initiatives, marketplace solutions and visibility opportunities.
Reflecting on the event’s success, the organisers reaffirmed their commitment to empowering
African entrepreneurs and professionals through strategic partnerships, innovation and
business development programmes. They also announced plans to expand future initiatives,
including business events, entrepreneur spotlight programmes, networking opportunities,
media projects and upcoming awards.
The UK–Africa Business Growth & Innovation Summit 2026 concluded with renewed
optimism, stronger partnerships and a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship,
innovation and trade between Africa and the United Kingdom.
About The Organizers
The Diaspora Code
The Diaspora Code is a UK-based platform dedicated to supporting African entrepreneurs,
professionals and businesses through visibility, credibility and market access initiatives.
Through events, media, business directories, educational programmes and strategic
partnerships, the organisation helps businesses build stronger brands, expand their networks
and access new opportunities across global markets.
Founders Bridge CIC
Founders Bridge CIC is a North East England-based Community Interest Company that
supports entrepreneurs, founders and professionals through enterprise development,
innovation and collaboration. Through business events, networking opportunities, training
and strategic partnerships, the organisation helps businesses grow while strengthening
entrepreneurship and UK–Africa business collaboration.