The inaugural Africa–Executive Trade & Investment Business Forum (AETI) will take place from October 15–16, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together private sector stakeholders from across the continent. Organized by tourism and events company Gettha Agency, the two-day forum will serve as a Private-to-Private (P2P) business platform designed to strengthen intra-African commerce, unlock investment opportunities and facilitate real deal-making across key sectors.
Held under the theme ‘Powering Africa’s Future: Private Sector Fueling Next-Gen Growth,’ the event underscores the pivotal role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic development across the continent.
Positioned as a game-changing forum for African business leaders, AETI will convene project developers, investors, financial institutions, manufacturers, subcontractors, procurement managers and policymakers from the ICT, mining, agriculture, finance and energy sectors. Through roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions and project showcases, the forum aims to accelerate collaboration, funding and partnerships that can drive Africa’s next phase of industrial and economic growth.
Unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential
Africa holds immense economic potential but continues to face structural financing and infrastructure gaps. The continent hosts an estimated $8.5-trillion in untapped mineral resources, including around 30% of the world’s energy transition metals, while also holding approximately 8% of global natural gas reserves and 12% of the world’s oil deposits. Despite this wealth, limited access to capital and investment continues to constrain large-scale resource development.
Beyond extractive industries, Africa possesses 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, yet contributes less than 3% to global agricultural exports. At the same time, intra-African trade remains low at roughly 15% of total African trade, highlighting the need for stronger regional business networks, investment partnerships and project financing mechanisms.
AETI aims to address these gaps by creating a dedicated platform where private sector actors can connect, exchange expertise and mobilize capital for bankable projects across the continent.
A platform for investment, partnerships and real deals
As African economies increasingly seek private sector financing, technical expertise and cross-border partnerships, AETI will provide a strategic meeting ground for investors and project developers to explore new opportunities and forge investment partnerships.
Several African markets are already advancing initiatives that require significant private capital. For example, South Africa is seeking to raise approximately $10-billion in private and institutional funding through its Credit Guarantee Vehicle to support critical infrastructure and energy projects. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is pursuing investment to unlock an estimated $24-trillion in mineral resources while expanding its network of special economic zones.
These and many other investment opportunities will be presented at AETI, where participants will have the opportunity to connect with project promoters, engage in matchmaking sessions and negotiate funding and partnership agreements.
A deal-focused Business Forum
Unlike traditional conferences, AETI is structured as an interactive, results-driven business forum where demand meets opportunity. Participants will engage in roundtable discussions, technical sessions and dedicated matchmaking meetings aimed at facilitating tangible partnerships.
The forum will feature dedicated deal-making and deal-room environments, allowing stakeholders to move from preliminary discussions to formal agreements during the event. Investors, solution providers and project promoters will also be able to showcase innovative technologies, present bankable projects and negotiate subcontracting and consulting opportunities.
By bringing together decision-makers from across Africa’s key industries, AETI aims to strengthen P2P and support the development of bankable projects capable of attracting international and regional investment.
Strengthening Africa’s private sector ecosystem
AETI recognizes that public sector initiatives alone cannot meet the financial and technical demands required to unlock Africa’s development potential. Stronger collaboration among private sector actors will be essential to mobilize capital, scale infrastructure development and accelerate industrial growth.
The forum therefore seeks to empower entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders by creating an environment where knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions can thrive. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, present their work to potential partners and learn best practices from companies driving successful projects across the continent.
About AETI
Africa–Executive Trade & Investment Business Forum (AETI) is an annual event dedicated to connecting African private sector leaders, investors and project developers. Designed as a platform where vision meets action, AETI focuses on facilitating real business outcomes by enabling companies to showcase projects, attract investment, build strategic partnerships and conclude deals.
Through its deal-focused format, AETI aims to strengthen intra-African business networks, accelerate project financing and support sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Register for the AETI Business Forum 2026
Secure your seat at Africa’s most focused private sector deal-making forum.
🗓️ 15–16 October 2026 · Cape Town, South Africa
As a valued reader of Global Africa Network Media use the exclusive discount code GANAETI at registration to receive 10% off your delegate pass.
- Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/PkS5SfwXuY
- For enquiries: info@getthaagency.net · +27 69 553 8482
