( 2026 NABF & PGA )
Theme: “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa”
Date : Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue : Finlandiatalo - Helsinki, Republic of Finland
Schedule : 11:00 – 15:30: Main Forum & Prestigious Global Awards Ceremony. Read more.....
The Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards 2025 stands as a unifying platform for dialogue, recognition, and action. Under the theme “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa,” the event reinforces the power of partnership, celebrates visionary leadership, and charts new pathways for mutual prosperity between Africa and the Nordic region.
The Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards 2025 is a landmark platform that brings together policymakers, diplomats, investors, business leaders, and innovators from the Nordic region and Africa. The forum serves as a space for dialogue, partnership-building, and recognition of excellence across diplomacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Hosted at Finlandiatalo, one of Helsinki’s most iconic venues, this high-level event promotes cross-continental collaboration and showcases new opportunities for trade, technology exchange, and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening the business and cultural bridge between Africa and Finland — encouraging investment in innovation, green technology, education, and entrepreneurship.
Investment Opportunities in Finland for African Investors
→ Showcasing Finland’s advanced innovation ecosystem, its global leadership in sustainability, and the country’s supportive policies for international investors.
Investment Opportunities in Africa for Finnish Investors
→ Highlighting Africa’s emerging markets, growing middle class, and potential for collaboration in energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
Test Labs and SME Innovation in Finland
→ Exploring Finland’s start-up ecosystem and its role as a global test bed for research and innovation-driven enterprises.
Success Stories of African Investors in Finland and the Nordics
→ Featuring impactful African entrepreneurs and businesses thriving in Nordic markets, sharing lessons and best practices.
Success Stories of Finnish Investors in Africa
→ Showcasing case studies of Finnish companies that have built sustainable and mutually beneficial ventures across Africa.
The awards segment celebrates transformative leadership, diplomatic excellence, and entrepreneurial achievements that strengthen relations between Africa and the Nordic region.
Award Categories:
The Nordic-Africa Diplomatic Excellence Award – Recognizing diplomats promoting strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Ousainou Darboe Statesmanship Award – Recognizing exceptional political leadership and statesmanship.
The Global Leadership Legacy Award – Honoring top-level executives or government officials shaping global partnerships.
The Oba Saka Matemilola Legacy Award – Honoring cultural heritage preservation and community impact.
The Lydia Data Yaya Legacy Award – Celebrating visionary entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Women in Diplomacy and Leadership Award – Changing Narratives – Celebrating women leaders redefining diplomacy, governance, and corporate influence across continents.
In addition to the main conference and awards, the forum will include:
Signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between participating institutions and investors.
Delegation Visits to key Finnish organizations, innovation hubs, and government bodies.
City Tours of Helsinki to experience Finland’s business, cultural, and historical attractions.
Exclusive Visit to Lapland (optional for high-level delegates) — exploring opportunities in green energy, tourism, and Arctic innovation.
Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS), USA (International Partner)
Jagils is dedicated to transforming learners into leaders through rigorous education and community development. Their global leadership expertise and strong educational ethos will bring remarkable value and credibility to the the event. Visit their website
Nord Solar Africa (Sustainability Partner)
Nord Solar Africa leads the advancement of renewable energy and sustainable investment initiatives across Africa and Northern Europe. Their participation underscores the importance of environmentally responsible partnerships in today’s global business ecosystem. Visit their website
Hooked by North (Strategic & Cultural Partner)
Hooked by North is a platform dedicated to promoting Nordic innovation, sustainability, and international creative partnerships. Their collaboration strengthens the forum’s commitment to connecting Nordic expertise with African ingenuity and expanding cultural and commercial synergies. Visit their website
Ceci Educare Oy (Education and Cultural Diplomacy Partner)
Ceci Educare Oy champions global citizenship, education, and cultural leadership. As both a partner and sponsor, the organization bridges learning and diplomacy, supporting initiatives that empower individuals and foster international understanding between Africa and the Nordic region. Visit their website
Dadaba Group (Corporate Partner)
Dadaba Group is a global enterprise that champions African innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Through initiatives spanning education, trade, and technology, Dadaba Group empowers communities and fosters international collaboration. As a key corporate partner, Dadaba Group brings strategic expertise and a shared vision of strengthening Africa’s role in the global economy and diplomatic landscape. Visit their website
Event Date:
🗓️ Friday, 25th April 2025 – Helsinki, Finland
2. Nomination Period for Awards:
🏆 Deadline: 31st January 2026
→ Nominations are open to individuals, organizations, and institutions across Africa and the Nordics who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and community development. Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts, with honorees announced before the next assembly.
3. B2B Partnership and Networking Applications:
🤝 Deadline: 29th February 2026
→ Applications for Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions with Nordic companies will be available online. These sessions aim to connect African entrepreneurs, startups, and investors directly with Finnish companies seeking international partnerships in innovation, technology, education, and sustainability.
Strengthened investment and trade relations between Nordic and African markets.
New partnerships and MOUs fostering innovation and sustainable business.
Enhanced diplomatic and cultural understanding between Africa and Finland.
Recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations advancing global cooperation.
The Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards 2025 stands as a unifying platform for dialogue, recognition, and action. Under the theme “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa,” the event reinforces the power of partnership, celebrates visionary leadership, and charts new pathways for mutual prosperity between Africa and the Nordic region.
