Preparing Africa's next generation of investment leaders: Oxford Saïd Business School’s Africa Initiative

There has been a clear shift over the years from broad discussions about Africa’s potential to more practical conversations about implementable solutions for the next generation, says Jonathan Dover of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

“There is a strong emphasis on Africans being at the forefront of designing solutions to the continent's challenges, with global partners playing a collaborative role through mutually beneficial partnerships."

The opportunity, says Dover, is to move from dialogue to action by building the systems, partnerships, and capital needed to unlock responsible growth.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and project developers – Africans and global partners - will gather at this year’s AFSIC – Investing in Africa event in London in October to debate key issues shaping the continent’s economic future, have practical conversations, and explore such partnerships and next-gen solutions.

Building stronger bridges between Africa and the global business community is essential if the continent is to unlock its full investment potential, says Dover. That is a philosophy that sits at the heart of Oxford Saïd's Africa Initiative and one the school will bring to AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2026 as a headline sponsor.

“At AFSIC 2026, Oxford Saïd hopes to strengthen connections with investors, entrepreneurs, development finance institutions, corporates, and partners who are actively shaping Africa’s growth story,” says Dover. “We are particularly interested in meeting delegates who share our commitment to talent, responsible investment, entrepreneurship, and long-term institutional engagement with the continent. We also hope to explore how Oxford Saïd can support organisations through access to talent, research, education and convening platforms that advance long-term value creation in African markets.”

The leaders shaping the future of Africa’s investment landscape are increasingly being trained for it directly. Oxford Saïd Business School’s Africa Initiative embeds Africa-focused content into its MBA and Executive Education programmes, and it is building a global network of talent, alumni and industry leaders through the Oxford Africa Business Alliance and annual Africa Business Forum.

"Our mission is to build a strong network that bridges Africa and the global community, showcasing opportunities while equipping leaders to navigate challenges," says Dover. "Through thought leadership, talent and networks, we strengthen Africa's voice globally and create avenues to support more informed leadership, investment and entrepreneurship across the continent."

Some classes are delivered in Africa, giving participants the opportunity to visit companies, engage business leaders, and witness how organisations operate.

“For leaders and investors, this translates into sharper judgement, better risk assessment, stronger local partnerships and more informed decisions about where and how to build, invest and grow,” says Dover, who goes on to note that Oxford Saïd has already supported more than 450 African students across its degree programmes, with alumni represented in more than 25 African countries.

With alumni already holding leading roles across the investment landscape, including in venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurship, development finance, and public institutions, Dover believes that in the coming years the pipeline “will expand Africa’s investment landscape by producing investors, founders and operators who can mobilise capital, build investable businesses, improve governance, and connect African opportunities with global networks”.

That mission continues this year at AFSIC – Investing in Africa, which organisers say will feature an extensive programme of panels, presentations, and dedicated sessions covering the sectors driving Africa’s investment story, including Mining, Fintech, Insurance, Healthcare, Microfinance, Education, Power, Infrastructure, and Sustainable development. With two full days of content augmented by exceptional networking sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with the sectors shaping the continent’s economic future, all under one roof.

View the AFSIC 2026 agenda here.