Founder’s Vision — Nordic Africa Business Forum

Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, Ghana-born and Finland-based entrepreneur and education leader, developed the Nordic Africa Business Forum out of a deeply personal commitment to bridging the business, cultural and investment gaps between Europe and Africa. Having started her Finnish journey overcoming significant barriers (Helsinki Times Article) , Cecilia recognised early on that meaningful collaboration requires intentional platforms where Nordic and African business leaders can share insights, forge partnerships, and co-create opportunities. Her vision for the Forum is rooted in empowering African innovators and Nordic investors alike, fostering sustainable business ecosystems that benefit both continents economically and socially. Through this forum — now established as a recurring summit — she aims to unlock mutual growth, attract capital flows, and enhance cross-cultural understanding across markets.  

Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, also known as Mputo Hemaa Nana Abena Enyimba II, Traditional Dev. Queen Mother of the Abura Community in Oguaa Traditional Area, Cape Coast, Ghana. CEO of Ceci Educare Oy, a Board Member of the British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Finland, and Special Envoy to the Nordic Region (International Society of Diplomats). 

info@nanaabena.org / www.nanaabena.org (As a Queen mother)

info@ceci-educare.fi / www.ceci-educare.fi (As an Entrepreneur)

Nordic Africa Business Forum (NABF)

Background & Overview

The Nordic Africa Business Forum is a flagship international business summit organised by Ceci Educare Oy — a Finland-based company dedicated to fostering global business collaboration and socio-economic development. 

Held 1–2 times a year, this high-level forum serves as a platform for business leaders, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and innovators from the Nordic region, Africa, and beyond to come together to explore partnerships, investment opportunities, and sustainable commercial strategies. 

Typical Components of the Forum:

• Keynote speeches and panel discussions

• B2B matchmaking and networking sessions

• Investment and trade showcases

• Cultural exchange and business diplomacy
  (These are typical features based on past events reported on the site.)
  
  

Objectives

• Bridge Nordic and African Markets: Foster sustainable collaborations and partnerships between Nordic & African businesses.

• Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Share insights on emerging markets, regulatory landscapes, and innovation ecosystems.

• Promote Investments: Highlight opportunities for Nordic investors in high-growth African sectors and vice versa.

• Enhance Cultural & Economic Understanding: Strengthen long-term cross-regional relations beyond transactional engagements.

Benefits to the Nordics, Africa & Finland

For the Nordics:

• Access to dynamic African markets and fast-growing sectors.

• New investment and export opportunities.

• Strengthened global business presence and networks.
  
  

For Africa:

• Opportunities to attract Nordic capital, technology, and expertise.

• Increased access to European markets and innovation systems.

• Collaboration pathways for startups and established firms.
  
  

For Finland:

• Enhanced role as a gateway between Europe and Africa.

• Attraction of foreign investment and international business events to Finnish venues.

• Promotion of Finnish industry strengths — including clean technology, education, health, and ICT — on a global stage.
  
  

High-Profile Guests (Past Editions)

Some notable guests and participants hosted at past Nordic Africa Business Forum events include: 

• Former President of Nigeria, H.E. General Olusegun Obasanjo (represented at the Forum).

• Ambassador Extraordinary of Tunisia to Finland & Estonia, H.E. Mrs. Nabiha Hajjaji Ep Haj Ali.

• Director of Finnpartnership (Finland), Birgit Nevala.

• Prince Prof. Edet B. Ekpenyong — Country Director of The International Society of Diplomats.

• Marit Linnebo Oldeiheim (Norway-Gambia entrepreneur).

• Moussa Niang — First African Manager at IKEA Finland & Founder of Afro Scandic Design.

• Emma Tamankag — Senior Lecturer, Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

Conclusion

Together, the Nordic Africa Business Forum and Prestigious Global Awards represent a dynamic dual-platform initiative that:

✔ Connects markets and cultures

✔ Recognises global leadership and innovation

✔ Enhances strategic partnerships between the Nordics, Africa, and Finland

✔ Amplifies Finland’s role in global business dialogues

These events are catalysts for sustainable economic growth, cross-continental engagement, and international recognition of impactful leaders and organisations.