Langovest to Host Africa Infrastructure Roundtable on Diaspora Investment in Manchester
A development-focused firm, Langovest, is set to host the Africa Infrastructure Roundtable (AIR) in Manchester, United Kingdom. This event aims to bring together African diaspora professionals, policy experts, and investors to explore how diaspora capital and partnerships can support infrastructure development across the continent. Scheduled for April 24, 2026, the roundtable is designed as a curated dialogue platform to encourage collaboration among Africans in the diaspora, including students, professionals, community leaders, and policy thinkers interested in contributing to Africa's long-term development.
Shifting Focus to Practical Solutions
Joshua Firstborn, Head of Communications and Community Partnerships at Langovest, emphasized that the roundtable seeks to shift discussions on infrastructure away from political debates and toward practical solutions that can improve everyday life. According to him, the platform will promote new ways of thinking about infrastructure, particularly through smaller, modular projects capable of addressing pressing urban challenges. He cited examples such as movable cold rooms, cold hubs, and water filtration systems that could help tackle issues ranging from food preservation to water shortages in cities like Lagos.
Firstborn added that discussions at the event would focus on building trust within diaspora investment networks and exploring how professionals abroad can collaborate on infrastructure projects that benefit communities across Africa. This initiative aims to foster a more hands-on approach to development, leveraging the expertise and resources of the diaspora.
Keynote Speakers and Topics
The roundtable will feature keynote addresses from prominent figures in the field. Policy expert and governance strategist, Timi Olagunju, will deliver a keynote titled "From Diaspora Potential to Institutional Impact," focusing on how diaspora professionals can move beyond individual success to build structured bridges between capital, policy, and enterprise.
Another keynote speaker, impact and investment professional, Sally Amoasah, will speak on "Funding What Matters: Lessons from Impact Investment for Diaspora-Led Development," highlighting how financing models can be structured to support sustainable and scalable development outcomes. These sessions are expected to provide valuable insights into effective strategies for mobilizing diaspora resources.
Additional Contributors and Broader Impact
Other contributors to the roundtable include diaspora investment advisor, Paul M. Laka; strategy and investment professional, Jeffrey Williams-Edem; finance leader and AfriStakes founder, Henry Adebisi; and communications professional, Seun Odusanya. Their participation underscores the event's goal of fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue on infrastructure development.
By convening this diverse group of stakeholders, Langovest aims to create a platform that not only discusses challenges but also identifies actionable steps for diaspora-led initiatives. The roundtable is poised to highlight innovative projects and partnerships that can drive tangible progress in Africa's infrastructure landscape, ultimately enhancing quality of life and economic opportunities across the continent.
