The WCAF 5 forum was launched on September 18, 2026, in Conakry, Guinea, under the theme "From Cooperation to Transformation: Building the Future of Development in Africa." The ceremony was presided over by Djiba Diakité, Minister Director of the Presidential Cabinet, in the presence of Ismaël Nabé, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation. This event marks the countdown to the main summit scheduled for October 20-21 in Conakry.
The WCAF 5 forum is an initiative created in 2022 to boost trade with French-speaking Africa. This is the first time the forum is being held in a West African country that is not a member of the Commonwealth. Previous editions were held in London and Lomé. The forum has seen significant growth, with support from the UK Export Finance (UKEF). The initiative has grown from £30,000 in 2019 to over £5 billion.
This year's forum brings together delegations from over 42 countries, covering 16 French-speaking countries, as well as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. The event aims to connect international private sector players with Guinea's development priorities, particularly the Simandou 2040 program. The program is a strategic vision for Guinea's economic and social development.
The UK's Ambassador to Guinea, Daniel Shepherd, stated that the choice of Guinea as the host country reflects its growing importance in regional economic and strategic discussions. The Simandou 2040 vision represents a clear ambition for Guinea's development. The WCAF 5 forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in Guinea.
British companies, such as Propave, are already engaged in major infrastructure projects in Guinea, including road and energy projects. Additionally, Aqua Africa has partnered with the Guinean government to implement a social impact project aimed at providing access to clean water for 1.3 million people. The project is supported by UK Export Finance and Citibank.
The Guinean authorities have emphasized the need for pragmatic co-investment and sustainable partnerships. Minister Ismaël Nabé called for the transformation of promises into concrete actions, focusing on value-added projects, economic corridors, and human capital development. The WCAF 5 forum aims to facilitate decision-making and co-investment among stakeholders.
The forum's outcomes will be crucial in shaping the future of development in Africa. With a focus on transforming development, the WCAF 5 forum is expected to yield significant results, including the signing of several major commercial and banking agreements. The event will bring together institutional actors and international investors to discuss investment opportunities in Guinea and the region.
Key points
- The WCAF 5 forum has grown significantly since its inception in 2022, with support from the UK Export Finance (UKEF).
- The forum aims to connect international private sector players with Guinea's development priorities, particularly the Simandou 2040 program.
- The event will facilitate decision-making and co-investment among stakeholders, with a focus on transforming development in Africa.
