By Nnasom David

Global leaders, policymakers among others will converge in Windhoek, Namibia to mark 10th Anniversary of the Leaders Without Borders Annual Business Summit & International Session.

The event aims to deepen dialogue on trade facilitation and highlight investment opportunities across Africa.

Organised by the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre (LWBDC), the summit is scheduled to hold from July 2nd to 4th, 2025.

Held under the theme “Expunging Trade Barriers in Africa – Exploring the Continent’s Diverse Investment Opportunities,” the event will focus on dismantling structural obstacles to intra-African trade and international commerce. It aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to increase regional trade by over 50% through tariff reduction and regulatory harmonisation.

“This year’s summit is designed to drive conversations around practical solutions to trade challenges and amplify the immense opportunities Africa offers,” said a representative of LWBDC.

Expected attendees include C-suite executives, family business leaders, technocrats, and high-level government delegations from Africa and beyond. The summit will spotlight sectors such as FinTech, PropTech, InfoTech, financial markets, agribusiness, infrastructure, mining, and renewable energy.

A major feature of this year’s edition is the launch of the “Top 50 Emerging Businesses in Africa”, an initiative recognising resilient and innovative companies that have operated consistently for at least three years. These businesses have been selected for their impact, scalability, and alignment with global standards, reflecting a growing global interest in African markets, which the  IMF projects will grow at an average rate of 3.8% in 2025.

“The unveiling of these top businesses is a nod to the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit that is reshaping Africa’s economic landscape,” said an official from the organising committee.

Beyond commemorating a decade of activity, the summit will offer opportunities for business-to-business interactions, investment matchmaking, and strategic panel discussions. Sessions will address economic transformation strategies, technological disruption, and the changing regulatory environments across African jurisdictions.

Namibia’s hosting of the summit underscores its strategic position in the region. With a stable political climate and efforts to improve the ease of doing business, the country has shown strong support for public-private partnerships and renewable energy initiatives.

“The choice of Windhoek reflects our commitment to inclusivity and regional integration,” noted the LWBDC. “Namibia offers a promising environment for investors and entrepreneurs alike.”

According to the World Bank, landlocked countries like Namibia benefit significantly from enhanced regional logistics and trade corridors, aligning with the summit’s policy agenda.

In the current global context shaped by re-shoring, supply chain diversification, and digital transformation, the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre’s ten- year journey of fostering international business networks continues to play a crucial role.

“By building trust-based relationships and providing vital market intelligence, we are opening doors for African businesses to expand globally,” the Centre added.