The Royal African Society (RAS) marks a historic milestone today, 22 July 2026, celebrating 125 years of advancing understanding, collaboration, and shared prosperity between Africa and the United Kingdom.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Society is hosting a high-profile ceremony at the iconic London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The event brings together influential leaders across finance, business, diplomacy, technology, culture, and policy for a day of strategic engagement designed to position London as a premier global gateway for African capital.
Key Event Highlights
The day’s proceedings showcase the depth of UK–Africa economic and cultural ties:
Closing Bell Ceremony: A symbolic market closing and bell-ringing at the London Stock Exchange.
Strategic Dialogues: High-level sector panel discussions and intimate fireside chats.
Brand Recognition: The official announcement of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
Philanthropy Awards: Presentation of the 125th Anniversary Philanthropy Awards recognizing outstanding contributions to cross-border development.
Networking Reception: An exclusive gathering for global investors, policy makers, and business leaders.
Honouring Heritage, Eyeing the Future
Speaking on the significance of the 125th anniversary, Arunma Oteh OON, Chairperson of the Royal African Society, highlighted the organization’s enduring mission:
“For 125 years, the Royal African Society has served as a bridge between Africa and the United Kingdom, bringing together academia, leaders, innovators, investors, artists, and policy makers to build strong partnerships founded in mutual respect and shared opportunity. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we are honouring this rich heritage. We are looking ahead to Africa’s extraordinary future and its role globally as where Africa goes, is where the world will go.”
High-Profile Speakers and Dignitaries
The anniversary gathering features an impressive roster of prominent global figures, including:
● HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and Khalifa
● Samaila Zubairu, ONL, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
● Leslie Maasdorp, CEO & Executive Director, British International Investment (BII)
● Benedict Oramah, Patron of the RAS, Board Member of Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund, and Chairman of Africa Trading Minerals
● Jeanine Mabunda, Managing Partner for Chrysos and Former DRC National Assembly Speaker
● Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder & CEO, Nuvion
● Stella Nse Okuzu, Director & CEO, Royal African Society
● Anne Marie Dias Borges, BBC Journalist and Broadcaster
Other distinguished guests and panellists include Abi Ajayi (Head of Primary Markets, MEA at LSE Group), Gbite Oduneye (Founder & Managing Partner, ODBA Venture Capital), international music icon Oladapo “D’Banj” Oyebanjo (Founder, DB Records), and Lilian Olubi (CEO, EFG Hermes Nigeria).
About the Royal African Society
Established in 1901, the Royal African Society remains the only organization operating under a Royal Charter with the explicit mandate to increase knowledge of Africa in the United Kingdom and promote cross-continental understanding.
As a London-based membership charity, the RAS works to amplify African voices globally across business, arts, culture, politics, and academia, fostering equitable and informed relations for the future.
For more information on the anniversary and upcoming initiatives, visit royalafricansociety.org.
