Leicester Alumni Business Forum

Watch the forum

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Programme

How the afternoon ran — 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, then cocktail and networking to 8:00 PM.

1. 4:00 – 4:10 PM

   Opening & welcome address

   Welcome remarks and introduction to the forum, its objectives, and the theme of the discussion.

2. 4:10 – 4:30 PM

   Presentation by resource person

   Prof. Bopkin

   From Local to Continental: Using AfCFTA to Scale African Businesses.

3. 4:30 – 5:10 PM

   Panel I — Bridging the gap of technical and financial support for AfCFTA

   Technical, financial, and institutional support so African businesses can take advantage of AfCFTA: access to finance, business development support, capacity building, export readiness, and the role of government and financial institutions.

4. 5:10 – 5:50 PM

   Panel II — From local to continental: business expansion across Africa

   How businesses move beyond domestic markets: market entry, partnerships, product adaptation, branding, logistics, digital platforms, regulatory considerations, and practical lessons for sustainable growth.

5. 5:50 – 6:30 PM

   Panel III — Navigating the AfCFTA landscape

   Challenges, opportunities, and business perspectives.

6. 6:30 – 6:40 PM

   Key takeaways & questions and answers

   A short close on African markets and AfCFTA, then the floor.

7. 6:40 – 6:50 PM

   Special address

   Martyn Edwards, Executive Director of International, University of Leicester

   The role of universities in advancing business and international trade — knowledge exchange, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global networks.

8. 6:50 – 6:57 PM

   Closing remarks

   President, Leicester Alumni Ghana Chapter

9. 6:57 – 7:00 PM

   Closing prayer

10. 7:00 – 8:00 PM

    Cocktail & networking

    Connect · Engage · Network · Expand

    Alumni, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders — exchange ideas and explore collaborations.