The inaugural ICC World Chambers Federation Africa Summit, recently concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, served as a powerful testament to Africa’s burgeoning economic strength and its ambitious pursuit of deeper trade integration. Co-hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the summit attracted over 500 participants from more than 60 countries, demonstrating a renewed global confidence in Africa’s economic trajectory. This landmark event, the first WCF summit hosted on African soil in two decades, was strategically convened within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to catalyze inclusive growth, foster innovation, and strengthen cross-border business collaboration across the continent. It underscored the growing recognition of Africa as a dynamic force in the global economic landscape, poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of international trade.
Kenya’s President, Dr. William Ruto, emphasized the continent’s accelerating interconnectedness, integration, and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the crucial role of adaptability in realizing Africa’s economic potential. He underscored the indispensable contribution of chambers of commerce in providing practical solutions for businesses navigating the complexities of the global marketplace. With the backing of over 130 chamber members and 20 national committees from the ICC’s global network, the summit showcased Africa as a prime destination for investment, a hub for sustainability initiatives, and a fertile ground for digital transformation. It reinforced the vital function of chambers of commerce as bridges connecting businesses with global opportunities, facilitating access to markets, resources, and expertise.
ICC Chair Philippe Varin reaffirmed the International Chamber of Commerce’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with individual African nations and pan-African organizations to ensure the continent’s full potential is unlocked in alignment with the goals of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for sustainable development. This commitment reflects a shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected Africa, contributing significantly to global economic growth and stability. The summit’s focus on equipping African businesses and institutions with the tools to thrive in the evolving global landscape signifies a crucial step towards realizing this vision.
Central to the summit’s agenda were two technical masterclasses designed to empower African chambers with practical strategies and knowledge to effectively navigate the dynamics of global trade. Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative, led a session on digital trade, addressing crucial aspects such as interoperability of standards, digital trust, and legal barriers. She stressed the urgent need for policy and legal reforms to accelerate the digital trade transformation across the continent, recognizing the transformative power of digital technologies in driving economic growth and inclusivity.
Valerie Picard, ICC’s Head of Trade, delved into the impact of recent US tariff changes on African exporters, emphasizing the proactive role chambers of commerce can play in assisting businesses to adapt to evolving trade policies and contribute to a responsive and forward-looking trade agenda. These sessions provided valuable insights and practical guidance for African businesses to navigate the complexities of international trade and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The ICC WCF Africa Summit 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards becoming a unified trade bloc under AfCFTA. It showcased the continent’s readiness to take a leading role in shaping the future of global commerce, leveraging its abundant resources, entrepreneurial dynamism, and growing integration. The summit’s success underscored the importance of fostering partnerships, strengthening institutional capacity, and embracing innovation to unlock Africa’s full economic potential and drive sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all its people. The event served as a springboard for enhanced collaboration between African businesses, chambers of commerce, and international partners, creating a powerful momentum for Africa’s economic ascendance on the global stage.
