By Cynthia Alo

In a major leap towards inclusive development on the continent, Africa’s First Ladies are set to converge in London for the inaugural First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit ,a strategic gathering aimed at amplifying women’s advancement and youth empowerment across Africa.

The three-day summit, which will kick off on June 16, is being organised in partnership with the London Stock Exchange, Financial Times, and other global institutions, drawing participants from across Africa’s public and private sectors.

According to the organizers, the summit will feature the unveiling of cross-sectoral initiatives targeted at addressing critical developmental gaps particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

They noted that the summit will serve as a platform for First Ladies to present country-led solutions and spearhead joint action plans that can stimulate inclusive growth and economic resilience.

The organisers also disclosed that institutions such as Elevate Africa and Compass Global are playing key roles in the planning and execution of the summit, which is anchored on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and aligned with six core United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Notable highlights include high-level engagements with decision-makers, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, as well as official visits to key UK institutions such as the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the London Stock Exchange, to reinforce trade, investment, and diplomatic connections between Africa and the international community.

The summit will explore themes around women’s empowerment, digital innovation, sustainability, industrialisation, and public-private sector collaboration. Special emphasis will be placed on boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing regional integration across the continent.

Speaking ahead of the summit, co-founder Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, a British business leader and founder of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network, said the event is more than a conference but a clarion call for continental action.

“FLAIR 2025 is more than a conference; it is a continental call to action. African women are already propelling businesses, communities, and governments. Now, we are amplifying their voices on the global stage to engage in discourse, debate, and deliver enduring solutions for Africa’s future.”