Click : Hotel Booking : 20-27th April 2026
15% discount. Contact the host for the code
Admission form to be published soon in 2026....
Click : Hotel Booking : 20-27th April 2026
15% discount. Contact the host for the code
Admission form to be published soon in 2026....
Theme: “Bridging Investment Frontiers: Exploring Mutual Opportunities Between Finland and Africa” & 'Celebrating Change Makers'
Date : Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue : Finlandiatalo - Helsinki, Republic of Finland
Schedule : 9.45 – 15.00
The Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards 2026 shall be held for the first time in the history of Europe at the Ionic Venue
Finlandia talo Hall, Republic of Finland
An event gathering Global Leaders and Change Makers in the heart of Helsinki in Finland.
2026 Event Partners
'Tell me a story' : Grand Artistic Exhibition by Mrs Kati Kivisaari (Ghana Consular Helsinki)
Nordic Cooling , Finland
Helsinki Metro Taxi , Finland
UDP Finland Chapter
2026 Award Categories in Helsinki, Finland
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
Preliminary Program
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 :
Rauno Ali - Kovero , Renowned Architech Finland
Mr Joseph Kusaga , Serial Entrepreneur , Tanzania
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hosts
VIP - Business Guests
Legacy Award Name sake & African Legendary Musician
Special Guests of Honour
Business Delegates
B2B Organisers
Planning Team - Finland
Photography
CEO / Founder of Ceci Educare &
Co Organisers / Co Producers
African Soul Band in Finland
African Soul Band in Finland
Itinerary : 20.04.2026 - 27.04.2026
DAY 1 : Arrival in Finland ( 20.04.2026)
DAY 2
21.04.2026
Debriefing Meeting
By Tommi Neuvonen & Marina Repina
DAY 3
22.04.2026
Tour in Helsinki
Host : Hookedby North , Finland
DAY 4
23.04.2026
Free Leadership & Diplomacy Training
Host : Jagils Training, USA
DAY 5
24.04.2026
Business Delegation Visits
Host : Nordic Cooling & Ceci Educare
DAY 6
25.04.2026
Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards, Finlandiatalo
DAY 7
26.04.2026
Book Reading by
Prof. Samuel Jacobs - Abbey, Jagils - USA
DAY 8 : Departure from Finland (27.04.2026)