African Foundation for Development (AFFORD)

ABC Connects Fashion With Africa
2019-01-24 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris)
ABC Connect is the AFFORD Business Club’s monthly networking event. It is an opportunity to network with members and gain some insight from experts in various fields.
ABC Connect in January 2019 will be a roundtable discussion focusing on the business of fashion in Africa and reaching wider markets. We will be hearing from industry experts, successful designers and those with the finance to provide necessary insight to fashion entrepreneurs with their eye on Africa!
Our guest speakers will include Jacqueline Shaw Director of Africa Fashion Guide, Yemisi Mokuolu CEO of Hatch Africa and Aji Ayorinde Founder and Creative Director of MIA London.
Topics covered will include:– Testimony from industry experts– Experience of successful designers– Access to finance opportunities– Networking with fashion insiders
This exclusive event is limited to 20 seats, so register now and don’t miss out!

UK Visa Refusals for African Visitors
2019-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the APPG for Africa, invites you to a parliamentary meeting to discuss UK visa refusals for African visitors.
On Tuesday 22nd January from 6pm until 7.30pm in the Grimond Room, Portcullis House, House of Commons
The meeting provides an opportunity for guests from a diversity of sectors including academic, cultural, NGO , health and business to share evidence with parliamentarians on the consistency and quality of the decision making of UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) for visa applications. Evidence will be presented to a panel of parliamentarians to feed into a policy brief in advance of APPG for Africa roundtable meeting with the UK Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes MP, two weeks later.
Some guests will be invited to formally present their evidence to the panel and advance notice will be given. Those not presenting to the panel will have the opportunity to submit written statements in advance of the meeting and to ask questions during the Q&A if time allows.
Written statements should be submitted as soon as possible to Hetty Bailey on baileyh@parliament.uk but no later than Tuesday 8th January. (NB- Statements should be succinct, refer to the questions below, be no longer than 1500 words and in Word document format).

This meeting hopes to gather evidence and information from participants on the following questions:
1) What is your experience of supporting African nationals in applying for visas for African nationals to conferences / events / business meetings/ training sessions in the UK?
2) How many times have you supported African nationals to apply for a UK visa, of whatever type?
3) How many were rejected or approved? What were the most common grounds for refusal given? How many were granted, but too late to allow the participant to attend?
4) For those that reapplied, how many were granted visas? What circumstances changed in their application? Did they resubmit with additional information? And did the visa arrive in time for them to attend the event?
6) Have you seen any evidence of inconsistency in decision-making regarding visa applications?
7) What do you understand to be the main barriers to submitting successful visa applications for African nationals? And can you estimate how many might have decided not to visit the UK because of the difficulty of obtaining a visa?
NB- Please note that numerically presented evidence is particularly valuable.
Guests are actively encouraged to invite their local Members of Parliament to attend the meeting and listen to the evidence.

A guest list will be in operation. If you are interested in participating please e-mail the APPG for Africa at baileyh@parliament.uk with your name, role and organisation.
This meeting in being held in a collaboration between the APPG for Africa, The Royal African Society, AFFORD and the APPG for Malawi.

Rwandan Diaspora in the UK 2018 Study Presentation - London & Coventry
2019-01-10 18:00 - 21:00 UTC
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Rwanda High Commission (RHC) and the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) are co-hosting two events in the UK for the Rwandan community to present findings and recommendations from a recent study of Rwandans in the UK and gather feedback and comments on the content; to provide an overview of Rwanda’s diaspora policies, initiatives and opportunities; and to showcase individual diaspora engagement experiences from Rwandans living in the UK.
The events will also provide an opportunity for networking and wider discussions on diaspora engagement within the Rwandan community in the UK. The events are scheduled for 10th January in London and 11th January in Coventry.
Register to attend the London event here
Register to attend the Coventry event at https://rwandadiasporacoventry.eventbrite.co.uk
Who Should Attend
This event will be specifically about Rwanda and its diaspora and will be of particular interest to:

Those from Rwanda
Those interested in Rwanda or its diaspora
The African diaspora community

The Agenda
18:00 Doors open
18:30-18:40 Welcome and Introductions
18:40-18:55 Overview of Rwanda’s Diaspora Policies, Initiatives and Opportunities
18:55 -19:05 Introduction of IOM Project and Background to the Mapping Exercise
19:05- 19:20 Presentation of the mapping report ‘Rwandans in the UK: their skills base and engagement with Rwanda”
19:20-19:40 Question and Answer Session
19:40 -19:50 Insight and Response
19:45-20:00 Diaspora Experiences – diaspora speakers to give an overview of their respective diaspora initiatives in Rwanda and/or the UK
20:00-20:10 Diaspora professional skills and investment opportunities in Rwanda
20:10-20:15 Closing Remarks
20:15-21.00 Refreshments and Networking

AFFORD Business Club legal clinics with Morrison & Foerster LLP
2018-11-22 17:30 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris)
Following on from the success of the ABC Legal Seminar on Thursday 20th September , AFFORD Business Club are offering members access to an exclusive series of Legal Clinics with experienced lawyers from an internationally-renowned law firm, Morrison and Foerster LLP.
The Clinics will be an opportunity to have a one-to-one consultation with a specialist lawyer in your area of work, who will provide pro-bono advice and guidance on any legal concerns or queries you may have. This could cover any of the following topic areas:

Types of business organisation, sole trader, partnership, company, charitable status
Contracts, formation, effect and enforceability, standard terms and exclusion clauses
Essentials of relevant employment law
Tax considerations for entrepreneurs
Avenues for conflict and dispute resolution
Intellectual Property
International trade: Import and Export

The dates of these clinics are as follows:

Thursday 22nd November 2018
Thursday 6th December 2018

If you are interested in attending any of the legal clinics and would like to join AFFORD Business Club click here.

#DiasporaTransformers- Facebook live discussion celebrating the impact of African diaspora entrepreneurs
2018-11-14 13:30 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
This year we are celebrating Global Entrepreneurship week #GEW2018 from 12th-18th November 2018 by showcasing the impact that diaspora entrepreneurs have towards development in Africa on all our social media channels. Follow #diasporatransformers to get updates and join the conversation on the importance of African diaspora entrepreneurship.
We are also hosting a series of Facebook Live roundtable discussions which will take place from Wednesday 14th November 2018 at 1:30pm. The discussions will focus on exploring the impact diaspora entrepreneurs are making towards development in Africa and provide up and coming entrepreneurs with advice on how to start and maintain a successful diaspora business.
Special guests include:

Bashair Ahmed, Founder of Shabaka Enteprise
Annette Fisher, Partner at FA Global
Yasmin Botchway, Blogger & YouTuber
Mariatu Turay, Founder of Gitas Portal
Tobi Oludayomi, Co-founder of Studio 14

Like and Follow us on Facebook to join!

Beam Talks- Applications of Blockchain Technology in Sierra Leone
2018-10-03 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris)
Beam Talks is Smiling Through Light’s UK initiative which showcases the diverse career routes of Sierra Leonean women living in the UK, focusing on the applications of Blockchain Technology in Sierra Leone. The event will take place on the 3rd October 2018 and provide a space where role models can discuss their achievements, experiences and challenges with a new generation of change-makers.
The event will consist of a presentation, panel session and audience Q&A.
The discussion will cover:

Applications of Blockchain Technology in Sierra Leone.
Achievements, experiences and challenges with a new generation of change-makers.
Contributions of the Sierra Leonean community in the UK.
Update on Smiling Through Light’s activities – access to clean energy in Sierra Leone

Why you should attend
You will have the chance to hear stories and experiences of an incredible panel of diverse people. Through discussion and debate, we’ll challenge misconceptions about Sierra Leone, foster greater awareness and change narratives about the country.
Find out more about the event & register to attend by clicking here.

Best of Nigeria Investment Expo 2018 (BONNIE 2018)
2018-10-03 - 2018-10-04
Theresa May’s recent visit to Nigeria and pledge to boost Britain’s investment in Africa after Brexit, along with the Nigerian governments promise to make Nigeria a global investment destination means that there is high demand for further investment in Nigeria.
The Best of Nigeria Investment Expo (Bonnie 2018) taking place from October 3rd-4th at the ExCel Centre in London will capitalise on this demand, showcasing the many investment & business opportunities that Nigeria has to offer. The expo is the first of its kind to bring senior Nigerian Government Officials and successful entrepreneurs together with key investors from across sectors and continents.
Guests will have the opportunity to:

Discuss investment opportunities across various sectors
Gain brand exposure with global institutions and private investors
Network with peers and potential investors
Receive first class advice on business investment opportunities

If you are interested in attending, please click here to get your free ticket.
AFFORD Business Club members will have the opportunity to exhibit at the expo via the ‘SME Booster Package’ at a discounted rate of 10%, To find out more email katharine@afford-uk.org for further information.

International Customers and Relationships Creative Enterprise Programme
2018-09-28 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Our ABC Manager Elvina Quaison, alongside our Diaspora Experience Manager, Jacqueline Brown, will be hosting an ‘International Customers and Relationships‘ session as part of the Assembly Hub 15 day intense training programme in Lagos on the 28 September 2018. The Assembly Hub is a diaspora-led organisation based in Lagos which provides business support and advice to creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
The Assembly wants to give fashion, beauty and creative entrepreneurs a fresh start with a 15-day intense training program in Lagos called The Creative Class. The training’s are designed to accelerate entrepreneurs in the fashion and creative sector with the essential knowledge and tools they require to start and grow a creative enterprise.
The session will focus on:
– Understanding your global customer
– Why customer service is king
– How to distinguish yourself from your competitor
– Why effective communication is key
– Pathways to selling
If you are interested in registering, please click here. The deadline for registering to participate is 10 September 2018.

Third Diaspora Investment & Policy Forum in Nigeria
2018-09-26 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), in partnership with AFFORD, is hosting the Third Diaspora Investment Policy Forum in Lagos (Nigeria). The event will focus on building successful diaspora businesses in Nigeria through the provision of tailored and effective support from business development institutions, local government and regulatory bodies, private sector and other stakeholders in the SME sector.
The topics covered throughout the forum will include:

Tackling barriers to investment
Maintaining business integrity
Finding financial solutions to challenges
General business support and advice

The Forum is an invitation-only event, and so if you are interested in attending or require more information please email Katharine Baxter at katharine@afford-uk.org.

ABC Legal Seminar with Morrison & Foerster LLP
2018-09-20 17:30 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris)
The AFFORD Business Club (ABC) has joined with Morrison & Foerster LLP, an international law firm, to provide a free event for businesses, charities and social enterprises to give you insight into what you need to know and do legally for your business.
Are you trying to figure out the best structure for your enterprise?
Is tax causing you confusion and frustration?
Are your contracts and agreements with staff and service providers really protecting you?
This seminar will look at these areas and more including:
• Types of business organisation, sole trader, partnership, company, charitable status
• Contracts, formation, effect and enforceability, standard terms and exclusion clauses
• Essentials of relevant employment law
• Tax considerations for entrepreneurs
• Avenues for conflict and dispute resolution
• Intellectual Property
• International trade: Import and Export
This free seminar is a vital session providing information on key legal areas of interest no matter what stage your organisation is at. It will help you identify areas of support that you didn’t know you needed!
This will also be an excellent opportunity for you to meet the team of lawyers who will be providing free one to one sessions for our ABC members. Come and find out about the other benefits and assistance you would receive if you became an AFFORD Business Club (ABC) member.
Whether you are a business, a charitable organisation or an entrepreneur, make sure you don’t miss out on this essential legal support opportunity!
The deadline to register is Tuesday 18th September 2018, and please note seats are very limited for this event so please register early to avoid disappointment.
To register for free please click on the link here.
If you have any questions please contact katharine@afford-uk.org

How to Get Featured by the Media
2018-09-13 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris)
In this comprehensive business seminar small business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs will learn how to undertake their own media campaigns and get media attention for their personal and business brands.
Core elements of the seminar will include:

Understanding different types of media – The various layers and types of media.
Understanding PR and the media, and the impact it has on business growth.
Telling Your Business Story – How to write a great press release with a winning headline.
Media Training – Tips on preparing for media exposure
Crisis Management – Tips on how to handle a crisis in the media spotlight
How To Use Media Coverage To Grow Your Brand – Using media coverage to attract new customers and clients
Identifying Your Audience – Learn how to position the brand to get the right press in front of the right audience.
Use Social Media To Make An Impact – Pinpointing the best social media platforms necessary to amplify the brand.

Ronke Lawal, Founder of Ariatu PR is dedicated to seeing small business shine and succeed, using over a decade of business experience she will be giving business owners an overview of understanding different types of media and how use media coverage to grow your brand.
AFFORD’s Business Club members will benefit from 40% discount. Send an email to events@afford-uk.org to find out more.
For further info click here.

AFFORD Rwanda Trade Mission Briefing Session
2018-08-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris)
AFFORD Business Club is in the process of organising a Trade Mission to Rwanda for diaspora entrepreneurs and investors on the 26th November 2018 to 30th November 2018 (TBC). This period has been chosen as it coincides with the Rwanda Trade Expo focused on Made in Rwanda products. This will be a great opportunity to carry out market research, locate partners and identify gaps in the market that your products and services could respond to.
The Trade Mission will aim to:
– Expose UK diaspora businesses to opportunities in Rwanda
– Facilitate introductions for possible business partnerships
– Highlight the services and products of UK businesses
– Showcase opportunities within Rwanda to UK businesses
The offer:
Delegates will have the opportunity to attend and have showcase space at Rwanda’s largest Trade Expo. Attendees will meet potential partners and clients as well as visit key business sites in Kigali.
Delegates will also benefit from:
– Pre-trip meeting to give background and insight into doing business and business opportunities in Rwanda
– Post-trip connection follow up assistance
– Opportunity to participate in social media live sessions to share experience and reach greater audiences
The event will start at 18:30 sharp. Please get there for 18:00 in order to to get enough to time to meet and network with other participants. Light refreshments will be served.
Click here to register for a free ticket.

MADE West Africa Webinar: Call for Proposals Ghana & Sierra Leone
2018-08-14 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
The Migration and Development West Africa project, Partnership for a Governance of Migration and Rights-Based Mobility, also known as MADE West Africa is funded by the European Commission and implemented by ICMC Europe (International Catholic Migration Commission), AFFORD (African Foundation for Development), the Centre for Migration Studies (University of Ghana) and FORIM (Forum of International Organizations of Migration Issues)
MADE West Africa has opened a call for proposals from organisations whose actions promote the positive potential of migrants for development from Ghana and Sierra Leone.
The call for proposals particularly concerns maximizing the contribution of diaspora to effectively support development and job creation in Ghana or Sierra Leone. It is part of a series of actions implemented by AFFORD in partnership with local organisations. AFFORD will be hosting a free 1 hour webinar on Tuesday 14th August at 4pm available to anyone interested in applying. The webinar will include:
• An introduction to the work and objectives of AFFORD and MADE Network
• An overview of the application process
• Criteria for eligibility and selection process
• Top tips for a successful application
If you would like to take part in this free webinar, please fill in the form here.

From Locally Known to Global Brands
2018-07-06 15:30 - 18:30 (Europe/Paris)
African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) is now in its 18th year, with a reputation as the most prestigious event that brings together African Diasporas living in the UK. It also serves as a platform for networking and sharing of knowledge, information and best practice, with UK, African and other multi-lateral policymakers.

AD3 2018’s theme will be exploring the question ‘From locally known to global brands – Where are all the global African brands?’ To gain answers to this question we will hear from 3 industry experts share their experience and knowledge about:
– Branding of African goods and services
– Scalability of African businesses
– Longevity of African industry – dealing with Founder’s syndrome
AFFORD would like to invite you to attend, benefit from our experienced speakers and network with like minded people.
Click here to register for a free ticket.
Key speakers on the day will include:

Ade Daramy- Chair
Ade Daramy is current Chairman of Trustees at AFFORD and works for the British government in a media advisory role. Ade has over 35 years experience working in broadcast and print journalism. He has worked as editor for Journal of Sierra Leone Studies, editor in chief for Promota Africa magazine, radio and TV Broadcaster for BBC World Service and works as a consultant on African Diaspora affairs. Ade was educated in both Sierra Leone and the UK and is the founder member of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Network and the Sierra Leone- UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce (SLUKDERT).

Pumela Salela- Brand South Africa
Pumela Salela is the current head of Brand South Africa in the UK- the custodian of the South Africa country brand. Her role is to market South Africa in the UK and attract foreign direct investment into South Africa. Prior to serving in this role, Pumela was the Chief Director for Economic Policy Development and Planning at the Department of Economic Development in South Africa.
Ms Salela holds various consultancy and advisory positions for a variety of organisations including: board member of the Global Sourcing Council, ambassador for Sustainable and Socially Responsible Outsourcing in Africa, Executive Committee member of the Tri-Sister City Alliance, advisory council member of the World BPO Forum and works as a BPO/ITes Consultant for the World Bank.

Paul Asquith- Reaching and Understanding Communities, IOM Rwanda Mapping Project
Paul Asquith currently works as Engagement and Policy manager for AFFORD. Since 2012 Paul has helped develop and coordinate ADEPT, a network of African diaspora groups based in 30 European states that are active in development across a range of sectors in 54 African states.
Paul has 20 years’ experience of managing community development and public health projects, and conducting research in Africa, Europe, and the UK. For ten years Paul commissioned and managed specialist public health and treatment services in London for vulnerable groups including drug and alcohol users and sex-workers, with a particular focus on HIV and TB prevention. Paul is also a Research Associate at the Centre of African Studies, SOAS, University of London, where his research interests include: diasporas, migration, development, culture, health, and migrant communities; Islamic models of development in North Africa and the Horn; and Islamic education and development in Ethiopia.

Henry Thompson- Scalability of African Businesses, Key Challenges & Opportunities
Henry Thompson is the project consultant for the Africa programme at Chatham House. Prior to this, Henry managed a DFID-funded rural development and research programme in Namibia; he then worked for JICA for four years covering Africa from London. During this time, his two main areas of expertise were developed: rural development in Angola, and humanitarian mine action. Henry subsequently worked in the Angola business unit of BP as a community affairs advisor.
Henry started out in rural development, promoting and applying the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources in arid and semi arid regions. In the 80’s he worked on commercial irrigation projects in the Arabian Gulf, but moved to examine desert ecology in the Negev.

How To Build Your Personal Brand
2018-06-28 10:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris)
In this high impact seminar Ronke Lawal will be providing strategic insight into how individuals can boost their personal brands. This is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs or professionals who want to raise their corporate visibility and business credibility. Delegates will learn how to make more of an impact within their sectors both online via social media and offline at networking events or through public speaking opportunities. Ronke will also use PR tactics to show delegates how to use raise their personal brands effectively, develop effective relationships and build a community of personal brand ambassadors who will champion them throughout their career or business journeys.

The Power of A Personal brand – how having a strong personal brand can make an impact on your overall marketing strategy and open up new opportunities in your business or career journey.
Using PR to enhance your profile – Using public relations strategies to enhance your public profile.
Identifying your values & Knowing your purpose – Understanding what your brand is and how you can maintain your integrity and authenticity.
Social Media strategy – How to use social media platforms to raise your visibility.
Public Speaking Tips – Advice and guidance on becoming a more confident public speaker.
Measuring Success – Assessing Long term goals and celebrating success.

Ronke Lawal, Founder of Ariatu PR is dedicated to seeing small business shine and succeed, using over a decade of business experience she will be giving business owners an overview of how to use PR to gain media coverage and ultimately grow their business.
AFFORD’s Business Club members will benefit from 40% discount. Send an email to events@afford-uk.org to find out more.
More info here

The Africa Blue Economy Forum 2018
2018-06-07 18:00 - 2018-06-08 22:00 (Europe/London)
On 7-8 June 2018, London will be celebrating the World Oceans Day by hosting the first edition of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF).
Recognising Blue Economy as a major source of wealth and prosperity for the continent, the forum will bring together government officials as well as high-level experts, investors, businesses, policy leaders, international organisations, civil society, public institutions and other opinion leaders to highlight and debate on the wide range of opportunities emerging from Africa’s aquatic and marine spaces.
The Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) 2018 will bring together government ministers, business leaders, ocean experts and environmental and maritime organisations, to discuss the economic contribution of the African oceans.
A Governments Panel will address how to bring the blue economy into mainstream national and regional development plans. Speakers include HE Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco and HE Derick Ally, High Commissioner to the UK, Republic of Seychelles, whose government is already implementing a National Blue Economy Roadmap.
More info here

Overprincipled and underperforming: the Global Compact for Migration and the challenge to multilateralism
2018-05-17 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
Event co-hosted by the LSE Institute of Global Affairs and the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa.
In the lead to the current UN intergovernmental negotiations for a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), Professor Gibril Faal published a paper entitled ‘Overprincipled and underperforming’. At this lecture, he will use the GCM negotiations to illustrate the need for a practice-based approach to multilateral agreements, at a time when multilateralism itself seem to be under attack. He situates the discourse in the context of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, and proposes an ‘Agreement-Implementation Matrix’ as framework to move from policy to practice.
Gibirl Faal is a member of AFFORD’s Board of Trustees and a Visiting Professor in Practice at the Institute of Global Affairs and a multidisciplinary business and development executive. He was one of the global leaders who spoke at the 2016 UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, which led to negotiations for a Global Compact on Migration.
For more info and to book your ticket, click here .

Africa Tech Summit London
2018-05-16 08:30 - 18:00 UTC
Africa Tech Summit London (ATSLDN) is a leading African tech event in Europe providing unrivaled insight and networking with the African tech ecosystem.
The 3rd annual event will once again bring together tech leaders, international investors, entrepreneurs, African governments, trade bodies, media and leading ventures to drive investment and business.
Learn from 50 expert speakers and investors with passion, knowledge and experience from across Africa who share key insights, opportunities and trends from the African tech and investment ecosystem.
Who Attends?
Last year ATSLDN brought together the who’s who from the African ecosystem under one roof. Attendees included IFC, Savannah Fund, Atlas Mara, FNB, Opera Software, BRCK, South Africa DTI, Orange Digital Ventures, Leapfrog Investments, Barclays, TechStars, MEST, Standard Chartered, Worldreader, Linklaters, Mobi Hunter, Singularity Investments, Quona Capital, BitPesa, BBC Africa, African Business and Newsweek to name but a few.

For more info and to register visit: https://www.africatechsummit.com/london/ and use code AFFORD for 30% off ticket prices

SMART Technology for SMEs
2018-04-11 13:30 - 16:30 UTC
AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.
The SMART Technology industry is worth £14 trillion pounds. Whilst the UK commands 20% of the current market, it is forecast that 50% of the global growth in this industry will come from African SMEs. Lagos Nigeria is the first African SMART city. Operating in housing, industry, transport, environment and communications, there are numerous opportunities for SMEs to provide services for the SMART technology sector .
The programme will be delivered by Ervine Okuboh, Business Adviser for AFFORD.

ABC Business Support Programmes 2018 – Financial Management
2018-03-22 10:00 - 16:30 UTC
AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.
This programme would provide the participant /learner with basic information and learning tools which will enable him/her to undertake competent financial management of their business. The content would cover cashflow forecasting,profit & loss, budgeting, audit and access to finance. The programme provides an understanding of the principles of financial management, acquiring budgeting skills and increasing your knowledge of cash flow management.
The programme will be delivered in Manchester by Ted Rowlands, Senior Business Mentor at Start-up Direct.
Ted Rowlands has worked with SME companies for over thirty five years. During this period he has worked as a senior manager with Natwest, managed three major business trusts and is now a Senior Business Mentor for Start-up Direct, the UK’s largest start up finance company. A successful and energetic Senior Manager, with extensive experience in working with S.M.E’s, he is an established, qualified and respected business adviser. In addition he has long standing experience and knowledge of establishing African owned businesses in the UK. He has successfully led business programmes in Liverpool, Manchester and London, from 1985 to the present date. During this period Ted has also formally advised successive UK governments about inner city business development.

ABC Business Support Programmes 2018: Develop Your Marketing Strategy
2018-03-21 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.
This programme will provide 5 key pillars that every business needs to develop a marketing strategy:

Customers
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic & Timely)
Strategies
Budget and Resources
Evaluation

This half day masterclass is suitable for anyone wanting to successfully implement marketing and PR in-house to increase their businesses profit and impact. In the session you will learn who your customers are, easy ways to reach those customers and what they want to know about your business offer.
The programme will be delivered by Denise Rawls, Business Adviser for AFFORD.

ABC Training 2018: International Trade and Development
2018-03-07 10:00 - 16:30 UTC
AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.
This programme will assist SMEs to understand the practical issues regarding international trade. Participants will be given information on key subjects, including tariffs, trading blocs, business regulation and market information.

Training Content:
• International Markets
• Sources of Information
• Trade Regulations and tariffs
• Documentation
• Letter of credit
• Customs Procedures
• Trading blocs
• Types of Trade
• Brexit
• Agents and Distributors
• Importing
• Exporting
• Services
The programme will be delivered by Ervine Okuboh and Albert Tucker, Business Advisers for AFFORD. Albert and Ervine have a wealth of experience undertaking and implementing international trade programmes and also providing business advisory services to SMEs undertaking international trade.
Participants will be given information on key subjects, including tariffs, trading blocs, business regulation and market information. This programme will assist SMEs to understand the practical issues regarding international trade, be aware of the rules and regulations of international trade and give the participants a greater understanding and knowledge of global growth markets and the support structures available to SMEs.

The UN Global Compact on Migration (GCM) – How do we manage migration for the benefit of all?
2018-02-26 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
The APPG DDM aims to promote parliamentary and public understanding of the key issues affecting diaspora communities in the UK, and to expand and enhance their contributions to the international development agenda.
Due to the UK’s history as a country that has long welcomed refugees and migrants, and is home to long-standing and vibrant diaspora and migrant communities, the country has an important role to play in informing and shaping international agreements on how we manage migration better in the future.
The APPG DDM is holding its first meeting of the 2017-2018 schedule to consider diaspora and migrant perspectives from the UK on the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).

Speakers include:
– Erica Usher, Senior Policy Advisor on the GCM at IOM in Geneva
– Mona Sadeq, Deputy Head of Mission to UK & Ireland at ICRC
– Onyekachi Wambu, Executive Director at AFFORD
The meeting will be chaired by Jeremy Lefroy MP.
Other speakers will include representatives of African, Asian, and Latin American diaspora and migrant organisations involved in development and humanitarian response.

The Secretariat of the APPG DDM is provided by AFFORD UK.
For further information or in case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Paul Asquith by email at: paul@afford-uk.org or by phone on +4407855036817.

Fundraising for Diaspora Initiatives – Grants, Bids, and Crowdfunding
2018-02-15 17:30 - 20:30 UTC
In an environment where there are increasing constraints on funding and resources, diaspora groups are having to work harder to raise funds and mobilise resources. ‘Brexit’ might exacerbate these trends as European Union funds may no longer be available for UK based civil society and diaspora groups.
This practical event aims to showcase potential sources of funding to diaspora groups and how best to access these resources.
You will be presented with the opportunity to meet leading UK funders and learn more about different approaches to fundraising and how to join the AFFORD-GlobalGiving Diaspora Crowdfunding Campaign.
AFFORD has partnered with GlobalGiving, a leading global crowdfunding platform, to enable African diaspora organisations based in the UK to fundraise for their activities in Africa.
We are inviting African diaspora organisations across the UK to mobilise their supporters to raise at least £5000 each for their community development or social enterprise projects in their countries of interest or heritage. Our Diaspora Crowdfunding Campaign will leverage an additional 25% in Gift Aid to all funds raised. Plus the 3 most successful campaigns will receive bonus prizes on top of their final amounts.
Speakers:
– Comfort Osilaja, Grants Manager at the Commonwealth Foundation
– Comic Relief, Speaker to be confirmed
– Eleanor Harrison OBE, CEO of GlobalGiving’s UK office
– Onyekachi Wambu, Director at AFFORD

This event is open to any African diaspora groups based in the UK and interested in accessing funds for their development activities.
Unfortunately AFFORD is not able to sponsor participants travel. However, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live for anyone outside of London wishing to follow the discussion.

ABC Training 2018: SME Procurement and Tendering
2018-02-14 10:00 - 16:30 UTC
AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.
SME companies are the driving force behind the UKs economy. The opportunities for SMEs to win public contracts has increased significantly over the last ten years, with Government setting a target of 25% of its contracts to be delivered by SME companies. However, only a minority of small businesses successfully win public sector contracts. This is due to lack of knowledge, and experience in tendering procedures.
This session will provide a one day snapshot of the following key elements of tendering:
– Procurement policies
– Procedures and structures
– Tendering practices
– Preparing to tender
– Tender guidance
– Bidding techniques
– Developing the bid
– Producing the bid
Participants will be given an insight into the tendering process; gain an understanding of the chronological steps to tendering and learn how to tender for public-private sector contracts.
The programme will be delivered by Ervine Okuboh, the Business Adviser for AFFORD. Ervine has previously successfully established a number of SME procurement programmes for the Greater London Authority, Liverpool City Council and Leeds City Council.

ABC Business Training Programme 2017 - Grow Your Social Enterprise
2018-01-08 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
AFFORD Business Club will be holding the first round of business training programmes for its members. The programmes will commence in late November through to February 2018. The first three programmes will be held on the following days:
Finance
Thursday 30 November 2017 from 10.30am to 4.30pm (Deadline for registration 22 Nov 2017)
Marketing
Wednesday, 6 December 2017 from 1 pm to 4 pm (Deadline for registration 29 Nov 2017)
Grow Your Social Enterprise
Wednesday, 13 December 2017 from 1 pm to 4 pm (Deadline for registrationn 6 Dec 2017)
These programmes will be delivered by industry experts and will be held at the Business Resource Centre at the AFFORD office.
Register here

ABC Business Training Programme 2017 - Marketing
2017-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 UTC

ABC Business Training Programme 2017 - Finance
2017-11-30 10:30 - 16:30 UTC
