New Advisory Board to Bridge Europe-Africa Investment Gap

A new advisory board has been established to enhance capital links between Europe and Africa, with a focus on unlocking investment opportunities in emerging markets. The board, launched by Eastrise Group, a strategy and insights firm, on September 30, 2025, comprises eight experts in various fields including artificial intelligence, sustainability, impact investment, and development finance.

Analysts suggest this development could significantly influence public debate and policy execution in the near term. Stakeholders are calling for clear communication regarding timelines, associated costs, and necessary safeguards to ensure the initiative's success and equitable benefits.

Context: Africa's Economic Landscape and EU Engagement

Africa's rapidly growing markets, abundant in critical minerals, and its innovation in mobile finance and renewable energy, are attracting increasing global interest. Despite this potential, emerging markets are often misjudged as risky, according to Gosia Brzeziska, Founder and Chief Executive of Eastrise Group. The advisory board's objective is to help clients navigate these markets and forge trusted partnerships.

The European Union (EU) has a long-standing partnership with Africa, with various initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development. The EU's Global Gateway Investment Package, for instance, aims to mobilise €150 billion (approximately KSh 21.6 trillion) in investments for Africa between 2021 and 2027, focusing on green and digital transitions, sustainable growth, health systems, and education.

Kenya, in particular, has strong economic ties with the EU, which is its largest export market and second-largest trading partner. An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the EU, which came into force on July 1, 2024, grants Kenyan goods duty-free and quota-free access to the European market.

Stakeholders and Their Roles

The eight-member advisory board includes prominent figures such as Noah Black (Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Threshold), Sylvia Dalecka (Founder of Polish Business Hub Davos), Shikoh Gitau (Chief Executive of Qhala), Matthew Hodgkinson (Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager at Confluence Impact Fund), and Tom Lytton-Dickie (Founder and Chief Executive of Meaningful Business). Other members are David McNair (Executive Director of ONE), Michal Nowak (Chief Executive of Okaeri Consulting), and Anthony Wahome (Economic Development Advisor).

The board will provide investors, corporations, and philanthropic organisations with insights, networks, and credibility to succeed in both regions. Shikoh Gitau emphasised Africa's advancements in financial services, health AI, and climate-smart agriculture, noting that the challenge lies in ensuring African-led solutions gain global recognition and scale. David McNair highlighted Africa's potential, while Europe offers technology, capital, and global influence. Michal Nowak suggested that Central and Eastern Europe's experience in economic transitions could offer valuable lessons for Africa.

Evidence and Data

• The advisory board was unveiled on September 30, 2025.
• The board comprises eight experts.
• The EU aims to invest approximately €150 billion (KSh 21.6 trillion) in Africa through its Global Gateway initiative between 2021 and 2027.
• Bilateral trade between Kenya and the EU reached €3.3 billion (approximately KSh 475.2 billion) in 2022, a 27% increase from 2018.
• The EU is Kenya's largest export destination, accounting for about one-fifth of its total exports.
• The board's formation signals a push for significant capital flows of $6 trillion (approximately KSh 774 trillion), illustrating the investment potential between Europe and Africa.

Risks and Implications

While the advisory board aims to de-risk African investments, the success hinges on transparent implementation and addressing concerns about equitable benefits. Previous EU-Africa strategies have faced challenges related to trust and visibility among the general populace. The initiative will need to demonstrate tangible benefits for African economies beyond raw material extraction, fostering local value chains and sustainable development.

What to Watch

The focus will be on the board's ability to translate its mandate into concrete investment projects and measurable impact on the ground. Clarity on specific investment areas, mechanisms for local participation, and safeguards against potential negative social or environmental impacts will be crucial. The board's role in aligning European investment with Africa's own development priorities, such as those outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063, will also be closely watched.