Head Investment and Trade Promotion needed at Welcome2Africa

Role Summary:

The Investment and Trade Promotion Lead will be responsible for driving W2A’s mission to promote and facilitate investment and trade opportunities, particularly in agribusiness and other high-potential sectors across Africa. The role involves strategizing, managing partnerships, organizing key events, and facilitating trade missions that position W2A as a leading facilitator in the investment landscape. The successful candidate will also be responsible for leading initiatives that connect investors with viable projects and promoting African markets globally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution:Develop and execute strategies that promote investment and trade opportunities in Africa, focusing on sectors such as Agribusiness, Solid Minerals, Energy, and Maritime.Lead the design and execution of investment promotion programs and events, including conferences, trade missions, and networking sessions.
• Work closely with the Research and Policy team to identify emerging market trends and opportunities that align with W2A’s focus sectors.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management:Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, trade agencies, government bodies, embassies, and private sector entities.Coordinate with international trade organizations and business councils to promote African investment opportunities globally.Manage partnerships with development agencies and financial institutions to support the flow of capital into Africa.Event and Mission Coordination:Plan and manage key investment promotion events, including W2A flagship events such as the EU-NG Agri Investment and Trade Forum and the Energy and Maritime Week.
• Organize trade missions, investor roundtables, and business delegations to key markets in Africa and internationally.Lead post-event engagement to ensure sustained interest and long-term investment outcomes.Investment Facilitation:Actively support investors through the due diligence process, providing market insights, project briefs, and connecting them with local partners and relevant authorities.Collaborate with W2A’s Investment and Trade Facilitation team to ensure smooth investor onboarding and project management.
• Project Development and Management:Lead the development of investment briefs and investment packages to showcase opportunities to potential investors.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful execution of investment projects, monitoring progress, and resolving challenges.Manage the collection, collation, and presentation of data and reports to highlight key achievements and impact on trade and investment.Marketing and Communications:Oversee the marketing and branding of W2A’s investment and trade promotion activities to ensure high visibility and alignment with organizational goals.Work closely with the Communications Team to develop promotional materials, case studies, and success stories.
• Serve as a spokesperson and thought leader at investment forums, industry conferences, and trade events.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Trade, or related field.
• A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in investment promotion, trade facilitation, or business development, ideally within the African context.Strong understanding of the investment climate and key growth sectors in Africa, particularly in agribusiness, energy, and maritime.Proven experience in organizing trade missions, investor conferences, and other promotional events.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with high-level stakeholders, including government officials, corporate executives, and international investors.Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools.Preferred Skills:Knowledge of international trade policies and regulations.Experience in developing and executing strategic partnerships.
• Project management skills, with the ability to handle large-scale initiatives from concept to completion