3rd Edition :
Nordic - Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards
Date : Sunday 21st September 2025
Time : 9.00 - 15.00 prompt
Venue: Kannusali, Espoo (City of Espoo) Kannusillankatu 4, 02770 Espoo
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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
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.
1st keynote speaker
His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Former President of the Republic of the Nigeria. Retired Army General, Nigeria
2nd keynote speaker
His Excellency, ANM Ousainou Darboe
Former Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia
Current General Secretary of UDP Party
3rd keynote Speaker
His Royal Majesty,
14th Olowu Of Owu Kingdom
Oba (Prof.) Sáká Adélolá Ayokanmi Mátemilola, Oluyalo‑Otileta VII. Nigeria
Chairman's Remark
Emmanuel Boadi
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM (Moderator : Enoch & Cecilia)
PHASE 1
08.30 - 9.00 :
Protocols & Arrival Ceremony for high delegates
Kora Performance by Yahya Sonko
Officials Ceremonial Walk
9.05 - 9.30 :
Traditional Welcome Performance by the Yoruba Community in Finland
Official Flag Procession / National Anthems
Welcome Speeches / Opening Ceremony / Keynote Speaker
9.35 - 9.40 :
Mrs Kati Kivisaari, Honourary Consul , Honoury Consulate of the Republic of Ghana , Helsinki - Finland
1st keynote speaker
9.45 - 10.00 :
His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Former President of the Republic of Nigeria. Retired Army General, Nigeria
Topic :
Panel Discussions
10.00 - 10.25 : Panel 1 : 20 minutes
Topic : Immigrant led Nordic Business : Real life success stories of immigrant led companies thriving in Finland and across the Nordics
Panelists : Reggie Rusan // Kwamen Afreh // Darly Seager // Dr. Ernest K.A Boateng // Paco Allioune B. Ndiaye // Nora Haapala
Moderator : Vivian Maar, HookedbyNorth
10.30 - 11.00 : Panel 2 : 30 minutes
Topic : Trade, Trust & Transformation : Investment Opportunities in Finnish Startup Businesses, Connecting Nordic Excellence, Investment and Innovation with African Potential for sustainable Business and Growth
Panelists : Member of Paliament Alhagie S Darboe // Prof. Edet B. Ekpenyong, Director General, College of Diplomatic Studies and International Relations // Dr. Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, MEPF, CPSM, CISM. Seasoned Security Expert & Special Emissary - International Society of Diplomats // Amb. Tontoh Dikeh, Veteran Nollywood Celebrity Actress. International Society of Diplomats Nigeria // HRM, Queen Adabota Lydia Jaja of Owu Kingdom
PHASE 2
B2B Luncheon 11.00 - 12.00
11.05 - 11.20 : Live musical performance & Kora Performance
11.20 - 11.40 : Panel 3 : 20 minutes
Topic : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success to Influential Roles
Panelists : Tom Coogan USA // Saji Khullar Finland // Prof.Desmond Bikoko Malawi // Hagie K.T Drammeh The Gambia // Alimou Diallo Finland
Moderator : Takura Matswetu , Business Helsinki
11.40 - 12.00
Open Forum / Question and Answers
PHASE 3 : AWARD CEREMONY
12.15 - 12.35 : Protocols & Re - Arrival Ceremony for high delegates
Traditional Welcome Performance by the Yoruba Community in Finland
12.40 - 12.50 :
2nd keynote speaker
H.E, ANM Ousainou Darboe, Former Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia, General Secretary of UDP Gambia
Topic : Unlocking Africa's Potential : Investment Opportunities in the Gambia (Highlighting sectors ripe for Nordic Invesment and regional opportunities)
12.55 - 14.00 : Grand Award Ceremony
Part 1 : 13.00 - 13.20
Awardees in Europe & in Africa
Part 2 : 13.25 - 14.00
Government Reps & Diplomats Awards: Good will message from each of the High level Officials & Representatives
3rd keynote speaker
14.05-14.15 :
Key note speech, His Royal Majesty, 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Sáká Adélolá Ayokanmi Mátemilola, Oluyalo‑Otileta VII. Nigeria
14.20-14.30 : Chairman's Remark
14.35 - 14.55 : B2B Networking / Photography / Exhibitions
15.00 : Event Door closed
Panel 1 : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success to Influential Roles
Topic : How Professionals Are Redefining Success, Shaping the Narrative, and Creating a Future of Belonging
Panelists : Tom Coogan / Anugya Singh / Saji Khullar / Professor Desmond Bikoko Williams / Dr Hagie K.T Drammeh
Moderator : Takura Matswetu
Panel 2 : Nordic & Finnish Companies
Topic : Bridging Economies : How Finnish and Nordic Companies Can Collaborate with Immigrant Businesses in Finland & in Africa
Panelists : Reggie Rusan / Dr Ernest K.A Amoah / Kwame Afreh / Paco Alioune Badara
Ndiaye / Darly Seager
Moderator Vivian Maar
Flag Procession
Kora Performance
Dance Group
Welcome Address :
Takura Matswetu , Business Helsonki and Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie , Host
Prof Edet B Ekenyong, ISD
Keynote Speakers
B2B Luncheon
West African Cultural Troupe (Interlude)
Girls Dance Group
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 : 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)
EVENT ENTERTAINMENT / CEREMONIAL WALK
Kora Performance
West African Culture Troupe
Flag Procession
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 )
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