#Africa Trending: Anglophone Africa and the spread of social media in commerce

14 July 2014, 18.30                                                                                       Houses of Parliament, London

Our last event in the Houses of Parliament before summer recess saw CX look at Commonwealth Africa and how greater trading relationships could be developed through social media.

As we said in the invitation:

Trade in Africa is growing both between its component parts and with other regions of the world. As a result it is becoming ever more connected. Internet speeds through mobile phones are increasing, while the use of social media in Africa to bring people together and spread communication is nascent in areas like politics and news, but what about business? Moreover, what language is being used to disperse information in areas such as advertising? What does this mean for British business looking to set up shop in or export to Commonwealth Africa.

We were joined by the newly appointed Foreign Office Minister, James Duddridge MP, who acted as chairman during the discussions.

We were also delighted to have a number of quality speakers:

- Robert Watkinson, Associate Director, Portland International: authors of How Africa Tweets

- Alieu Fofanah, Africa Business Group Lead, PwC

- Rajesh Purohit, Corporate Banker, NedBank (South Africa)

- Mandy Johnson, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council

You can listen to their respective speeches and the Q&A below.