The Finnish-African Business Council aims to strengthen and expand trade, investment, and business collaboration between Finland and African countries. It will support Finnish companies by providing practical market intelligence, facilitating connections with reliable partners, and promoting dialogue between business, policymakers, and key stakeholders. Through events, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, the Finnish-African Business Council will aim to lower market-entry barriers, highlight business opportunities, and contribute to sustainable, mutually beneficial economic growth between Finland and Africa. 

The Council will operate as a practical, member-driven platform that helps Finnish companies succeed in African markets and supports long-term trade, investment, and business cooperation between Finland and Africa. 

COME TO INFLUENCE AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE 

Time: 8th of June 2026 at 15:00
Venue: Finland Chamber of Commerce, Alvar Aallon katu 5 C, 00100 Helsinki  
Registration: The event is free of charge, but it needs registration at latest on the 4^th of June 2026.  

Program  

15:00
Opening of the event
Ms. Anu Saxén, Chair of the Africa Business Network of the Finland Chamber of Commerce  

15:10
The significance of Africa is increasing in a changing world
Mr. Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland 

15:30
Greetings from the Finland Chamber of Commerce, role of the Business Councils seen by the Chamber
Ms. Päivi Pohjanheimo, Director of International Affairs & Trade, Finland Chamber of Commerce, Country Director Secretary General, ICC Finland  

15:35
Finnfund’s funding and market opportunities for Finnish companies
Mr. Patrik Bredbacka, Head of EU & Finnish Partnerships at Finnfund  

15:45
Brainstorming Discussion on the establishment of the Finnish-Africa Business Council  

Mr. Mr. Patrik Bredbacka, Member of the Board  of the South-East Asia Business Association: Experience and lessons learnt
Ms. Anu Saxén, Chair of the Africa Business Network: Perspectives on the role and services provided by the Africa Business Council 

• What kind of activities and program best serve member companies: information sharing, webinars, B2B meetings, receiving delegations etc
• Ideal Board composition

·       The floor is open for all ideas

As a result of the brainstorming, the Africa Business Network will prepare a proposal for an annual plan and convene an “official” opening meeting, where the constitution will be presented, board appointed, the membership fee agreed, etc.  

16:45
Networking with refreshments  

18:00
End of the Event

WELCOME

Africa Business Network
Anu Saxén                      
Anne Hatanpää

Picture: Pixabay