FT Africa Summit – An Inspiring Conversation on the future of Luxury.
On the 13-14th October 2019, The Luxury Network Nigeria joined the Financial Times, as a partner of the annual FT Africa Summit, held at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair.
Now in its 6th year, the FT Africa Summit is a global platform attracting senior government officials, business leaders, and senior-level executives, for the highest-level discussions on the current issues about key countries in Africa. The event attracts various Heads of Government and senior business leaders across Africa and Europe, with previous speakers including Yemi Osinbajo and Aliko Dangote. This year the President of South Africa, Vice President of Ghana and numerous other high profile personalities such as Tony Blair; former UK Prime Minister joined the panel of Speakers. Representatives from Nigeria included Uche Orji, CEO of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founder of Future Africa.
The Luxury Network Nigeria was the exclusive host of the Drinks Reception at Claridge’s. The Managing Director Cas Ojo, was invited to give a speech on the subject of luxury in Nigeria and used the platform to highlight the potential and opportunities inside the Nigerian luxury industry. The climax of her address was an invitation to an event taking place the following day and the speech was very well received, with huge applause all around the room.
On the 15th of October 2019, the conversation continued with a Panel Discussion titled, An inspiring conversation on the Future of Luxury: Spotlight on the Business of Luxury in Nigeria. It was an exclusive, groundbreaking partnership between The Luxury Network Nigeria and The Financial Times. The event was held at the prestigious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair.
This inaugural event was created to shine a spotlight on the state of Nigeria’s dynamic luxury sector, with insights from the players in key industries in Nigeria, world-renowned luxury brands, retailers and pioneering visionaries, on overcoming the barriers to entry, ethical luxury practices and building transparent, sustainable and value-driven business partnerships.
On the night, guests were welcomed with fine wine and canapés in the elegant Maple Room at the Connaught. The guests were then ushered downstairs to the exquisite Mayfair Room, where David Pilling, Africa Editor of The Financial Times, gave a welcome speech to kickstart the evening.
James Benoit, CEO, FCMB UK, opened the conversation with a brilliant keynote address on rewriting Africa’s single story. This was followed by Opening Remarks by Cas Ojo, the Managing Director of The Luxury Network Nigeria.
Next David Pilling, expertly engaged the Panelists, one after the other, in a riveting and truly inspiring discourse that captured the full attention of the audience. Guests listened with interest, as each Speaker shared from personal experience and diverse professional backgrounds.
On the panel was Mo Abudu; CEO of EbonyLife Media, Reni Folawiyo; founder and CEO of Alara, Tom Meggle; former Managing Director of Louis Vuitton UK, Ireland and South Africa and founder of Momentom8, Bola Atta; Group Director of UBA (United Bank for Africa) and Brigitte Stepputtis, Global Head of Couture for Vivienne Westwood.
Closing the night, Helena Warren, Global Head of business development at The Luxury Network International, introduced some brilliant company presentations from a selection of Nigerian-owned luxury brands including: Jennifer Obayuwana; Executive Director of Polo Luxury Group, Alexander Amosu; founder of Lux Afrique, Titi Adesanya; founder of the Titi Adesa luxury footwear brand, Nomshado Michelle Baca; founder of A Complexion Company.
It was a refreshing and motivating event, and a great way to start a new conversation about Nigeria. Over 100 guests had come together with a shared goal – to discuss the potential of the luxury industry in Nigeria and the event was very well received by all.
The FT Africa Summit was a huge success and plans are underway for the next installment. The Luxury Network is interested to speak with forward-thinking companies who are interested in joining the conversation. For more information, please send an email to info@theluxurynetwork.ng
The Luxury Network is a private membership club established for fostering partnerships between renowned luxury brands in the world. With a presence in 33 countries and territories worldwide, the network takes pride in the caliber of its members such as Porsche, Tiffany & Co, Bentley, Ralph Lauren, The Wheatbaker Hotel, Deola Sagoe, Robert Taylor Media, Cartier, and Sunseeker Yachts to name a few.
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