• Clarion Mestari Hotel , Helsinki

• 'Tell me a story' : Grand Artistic Exhibition by Mrs Kati Kivisaari (Ghana Consular Helsinki)

• Hobo Hotel , Helsinki 

• Lizartandwork, Finland

• Ax Hotel , Helsinki

• Jagils Education Center, USA

• Finlandia talo Hall , Helsinki

• Ayisat Yusuf , Shefootball Association 

• Hookedby North , Finland 

• Nordic Cooling , Finland

• Helsinki Metro Taxi , Finland 

• Abura Palace, Capecoast Ghana

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• UDP Finland Chapter 

The awards segment celebrates transformative leadership, diplomatic excellence, and entrepreneurial achievements that strengthen relations between Africa and the Nordic region.

6 Award Categories:

• The Ousainou Darboe Statesmanship Award – Recognizing exceptional political leadership and statesmanship. (Named after the former Vice President of the Gambia on 21st September 2025 in the presence of His Excellency ANM Ousainou Darboe)

• The Nana Kodwo Addae II Crown of Legacy Award – A distinguished honour established in recognition of the living legend and influence of Nana Kodwo Addae II for exemplary recipients.

• The Nordic-Africa Diplomatic Excellence Award – Recognizing diplomats promoting strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

• The Global Leadership Legacy Award – Honoring top-level executives or government officials shaping global partnerships.

• The Women in Diplomacy and Leadership Award – Changing Narratives – Celebrating women leaders redefining diplomacy, governance, and corporate influence across continents.

• The Africa Global Excellence in Innovation Award – Empowering Sustainable Growth– Recognizing entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators whose work strengthens Africa's position and partnership in the wider International community.

• The Global Influential Impact Award – Celebrating Visionaries in Music, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship and Ambassadorship - Honour leaders with global influence on the world stage and inspire cross-continental collaboration

Find out the 2026 Award Nominees

Theme: “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa” & 'Celebrating Change Makers'

Host :  

• Prof. Samuel Jacobs - Abbey, USA 

• Mputo Hemaa Nana Abena II , Capecoast Ghana 

• Ambassador Basamba Drammeh, France

Side Event :  Grand Exhibition by Katikati (Mrs Kati Kivisaari ,Honoury Consulate of Ghana, Helsinki )

Program Part   1 : 

Time : 9.45 -  11.00 

• Cocktail, Networking, Photography , Arrival of Guests , Red Carpet , Business Booths , Workshops

(Moderating Team : Marina Repina ,Tommi Neuvonen , Pierre Bangrou, Dr. Thomas Sama Babila , Maxwell Agbevoh , Emmanuel Jibola Folarin, Paul  Kengne)

Program Part   2 :  Nordic Africa Business Forum

Time : 11.00 - 12.30 

• Opening Ceremony : Landing Manneh (Chairman / Mayor of Mansokonko Area Council, Lower Reiver Region, The Gambia)

• Key note Speaker 1 : Tomi Soini, Former Prime Minister of Finland and Former Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Finland 

• Business Forum & Discussion : Theme: “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa” . Panelists includes : 

1. Rauno Ali - Kovero , Renowned Architech Finland 

2. Mr Joseph Kusaga , Serial Entrepreneur , Tanzania  

3. Hon. Mariama B.Secka, Duputy Party Leader UDP, Gambia 

Moderator : Amara Doumbouya , Scandinavian Group SA 

• Key note Speaker 2 : His Excellency Ousainou ANM Darboe, Former Vice President of the Gambia Republic 

• Closing Ceremony : Tom Coogan, Muchinga Partners, USA 

Program Part  3 : 

Time : 12.30 - 13.30 

• Business Booths , Workshops, Networking , Cocktail, Coffee Break 

 (Moderating Team : Marina Repina ,Tommi Neuvonen , Pierre Bangrou, Dr. Thomas Sama Babila , Maxwell Agbevoh , Emmanuel Jibola Folarin, Paul  Kengne)

Program Part  4 :  Prestigious Global Awards , 4th Edition

Time : 13.30 - 15.00

• Flag procession by High School Students in Finland 

• Welcome Address by Lukumanu Iddrisu - Ghanaian Finnish Politician

• Issuing of Awards & Launching of the next Prestigious Global Celebrity and Business Elite Magazine edition : His Excellency Ousainou ANM Darboe, Former Vice President of the Gambia Republic 

• Chairman Remarks : Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, Republic of Gambia 

• Closing Speech by the Host : Dr. Lamin Manneh, Retired African Development Staff

• Networking, Red Carpet 

Photography & Media :  

Jukka Photography , Zoom Africa TV, TV Production firm in Finland, Bima Studios, Media production in East Africa under Joseph Kusaga, Bitrel Photography 

Venue / Event Decoration 

Finlandiatolo and Lilian decor & co. 

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.
   
   

1. 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.
   
   

2. Success Stories of Finnish Investors in Africa
   
   → Showcasing case studies of Finnish companies that have built sustainable and mutually beneficial ventures across Africa.
   
   

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.

Event Date:

🗓️ Saturday , 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.