3rd Edition
Nordic - Africa Business Forum &
Prestigious Awards
3rd Edition
Nordic - Africa Business Forum &
Prestigious Awards
Regular tickets (includes lunch) :
Students tickets (Does not include lunch)
Why Participate
✔ Expand Your Business Network: Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from across the globe.
✔ Explore Market Opportunities in Finland: Finland is a global leader in innovation, clean energy, technology, and education—offering numerous investment and partnership opportunities.
✔ Gain Industry Insights: Learn from keynote speakers and panel discussions on global business trends and emerging markets.
✔ Business Matchmaking & Partnerships: Meet potential business partners, investors, and stakeholders looking to collaborate.
✔ Access to Finland’s Strong Business Ecosystem: Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest and most innovative countries in the world, making it an ideal place for business growth.
Key Business Sectors in the Summit
✔ IT & Telecommunications
✔ Manufacturing
✔ Tourism & Hospitality
✔ Finance & Banking
✔ Agriculture
✔ Health, Technologies & Pharmaceuticals
✔ Clean Energy & Utilities
✔ Construction & Real Estate
✔ Education & Research
✔ Mining & Forestry
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM (Moderator : Enoch & Cecilia)
PHASE 1 : Business Forum
08.30 - 9.00 : Registration and Arrival of Guests / B2B Networking
Moderator : Enoch Afrani Gyasi
Opening Ceremony
9.00 - 9.10 : Kora Performance by Yahya Sonko
9.10 - 9.20 : Mrs Kati Kivisaari, Honourary Consul , Honoury Consulate of the Republic of Ghana , Helsinki - Finland
Panel Discussions
9.20 - 9.50 : Panel 1 : 30 minutes
Topic : Immigrant led Nordic Business : Real life success stories of immigrant led companies thriving in Finland and across the Nordics
Panelists : Helen Chung Setala, Maxwell Aghoveh, Paco A. Ndiaye, Alimou Diallo, Dr Ernest Kena Amoah, Plamena Cherneva
Moderator : Vivian Maar, HookedbyNorth
10.05 - 10.25: Panel 2 : 20 minutes
Topic : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success to Influential Roles
Panelists : Tom Coogan ,Reggie Rusan ,Kwame Afreh , Nora Haapala , Ify Kingsley , Saji Khullar
Moderator : Takura Matswetu , Business Helsinki
10.30 - 11.00 : Panel 3 : 30 minutes
Spotlighting SME, startup, and foreign direct investment opportunities in Finland and the Nordics with insights from Businesses in Helsinki and Investment in Finland. Exploring high-potential sectors and building sustainable trade partnerships between Finland and West Africa.
Panelists : Alhagie S Darboe ,Prof. Edet B. Ekpenyong, Dr. Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, , HRM, Queen Adabota Lydia Jaja of Owu Kingdom , Pastor Israel Olujumoke, Amara Doumbouya
Moderator : Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie
PHASE 2 : B2B Luncheon / Fashion Show
11.00 - 11.45 : Luncheon
11.45 - 12.00 : Live fashion run way by Heybeauty Collection and Mechanical MonkeyZ (MMZ).
PHASE 3 : Grand Award Ceremony
12.00 - 12.10 : Traditional Welcome Performance by the Yoruba Community in Finland (King's Arrival)
12.10 - 12.20 : National Anthems from the key guests and host
keynote speaker
12.20 - 12.35 H.E, ANM Ousainou Darboe, Former Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia, General Secretary of UDP Gambia
Topic : Legacy of Change : From Vision to Lasting Impact
12.40 - 12.50 : Soma - Helsinki Band
Grand Award Ceremony
keynote speakers
12.55 - 13.10 :
His Royal Majesty, 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Sáká Adélolá Ayokanmi Mátemilola, Oluyalo‑Otileta VII. Nigeria
His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR , Former President of the Republic of Nigeria
Award Issuing : Part 1 : 13.15 - 13.40
Awardees in Europe & in Africa
Part 2 : 13.45 - 14.20
Government Reps & Diplomats Awards: Good will message from each of the High level Officials & Representatives
14.20-14.30 : Launching & Closing Remark : Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie
14.35 - 14.55 : B2B Networking / Photography / Exhibitions
15.00 : Event Door closed
Panel 1 : Nordic & Finnish Companies
Topic : Bridging Economies : How Finnish and Nordic Companies Can Collaborate with Immigrant Businesses in Finland & in Africa
Moderator Vivian Maar
Panel 2 : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success to Influential Roles
Topic : How Professionals Are Redefining Success, Shaping the Narrative, and Creating a Future of Belonging
Moderator : Takura Matswetu
Panel 3 : Expert Speakers from Africa and in the Nordics
Topic : The focus is on showcasing opportunities for SME's , Startups and foreign direct investment in Finland and the wider Nordic Region, drawing on insights from businesses in Finland , Africa and Investment in Africa and in Finland. It also highlights high potential sectors while fostering sustainable trade partnerships between Finland and West Africa
Moderator : Cecilia N. Quarshie
B2B Luncheon
EVENT ENTERTAINMENT / HOSTS / PLANNERS
Grand Award Ceremony
Part 1 :
Special Awardees in Europe & in Africa
Part 2 :
Government Reps & Diplomats Awards : Good will message from each of the High level Officials & Reps
14.20 - 14.40
B2B Networking
15.00 : Event Door closed
Panel 1 : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success from Immigrant Roots to Influential Roles in Finland
Topic : How Immigrant Professionals Are Redefining Success, Shaping the Narrative, and Creating a Future of Belonging
This panel brings together accomplished professionals in Finland who have carved out high-level careers in sectors ranging from technology to public policy. We delve into their journeyrs, the strategies, networks, and resilence that helped them overcome systemic challenges as immigrant professionals. More than personal triumphs, their stories reflect broader shifts in representation and inclusion in the Finnish workforce.
Moderator : Takura Matwetu
Panel 2 : Expert Speakers from Africa and in the Nordics
Topic : The focus is on showcasing opportunities for SME's , Startups and foreign direct investment in Finland and the wider Nordic Region, drawing on insights from businesses in Finland , Africa and Investment in Africa and in Finland. It also highlights high potential sectors while fostering sustainable trade partnerships between Finland and West Africa
Moderator : Cecilia N. Quarshie
Panel 3 : Nordic & Finnish Companies
Topic : Bridging Economies : How Finnish and Nordic Companies Can Collaborate with Immigrant Businesses in Finland & in Africa
This panel will explore opportunities for Finnish and Nordic companies to partner with immigrant led businesses, focusing on innovation, trade and investment between Finland and developing countries. Topics include inclusive business models, diaspora entrepreneurship, cross-cultural business strategies and sustainable market entry into economies of developing countries.
Moderator : Vivian Maar (HookedbyNorth)
Accommodation for
Guests in Helsinki :
Lapland hotels, Bulevardi
DATES : 18th - 25th September 2025
- Price includes a breakfast buffet and usage of common saunas.
- 15% discount code is ALLCECIEVENT.
- The reservation can be done also by phone (09-2525-1111)
or via email bulevardi@laplandhotels.com.
- The room reservations from the allotment can be done by
August 12th, 2025. Afterwards the daily room rates and terms of reservation apply.
Accommodation for
Guests in Espoo :
Comfort Hotel Sello
DATES : 18th - 25th September 2025
- Reservations with the booking code EVENTSHELSINKI can be made on our website which includes breakfast: www.strawberryhotels.com/hotels/finland/espoo/comfort-hotel-sello/ .
- The cancellation of room booking made with the discount code is free of charge if done by three (3) days prior to arrival.
( Leppävaarankatu 1, 02600 Espoo, Finland )
3rd Edition , Event Sponsors