Our Event | Click to Register for 16th UK–Africa Business Summit 2026 the

LONDON, UK — On 12 September 2025, Dr Ilona Karpanos, International Trade & Economic Development Manager at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, will deliver pivotal insights into UK–East Africa trade facilitation and cross-border investment during the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit. The event is hosted at the prestigious Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, bringing together senior investors, DFIs, policymakers, and trade advisors.

Organised with support from the UK Department for Business & Trade and UK Export Finance, this summit convenes over 500 stakeholders to explore sustainable, high-return opportunities across East Africa.

🌍 Driving Trade: Dr Karpanos’ Expert Role

Since April 2024, Dr Ilona Karpanos has spearheaded Cambridgeshire’s international trade efforts, advising SMEs and multinational businesses in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Stamford on exporting strategies and market entry. She brings nearly two decades of experience in trade, backed by a PhD in political science and international relations, an MBA in marketing, MA in international business, and a BA in finance LinkedIn+11Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+11Facebook+11Cambridge Network+3ukafricabusinesssummit.uk+3Facebook+3.

She recently reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing trade partnerships on LinkedIn:

“Her expansive knowledge will support companies … to grow their international footprint” afxchamber.networkreach.com+2Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+2Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+2

At the summit, Dr Karpanos will present strategic frameworks to amplify ties between UK businesses and East Africa through:

  • Export readiness: Advancing SMEs towards AfCFTA and global markets.
  • Trade facilitation: Reducing barriers via Chambers-led protocols.
  • Economic policy alignment: Helping align UK and East African trade and investment agendas.

🎯 Summit Contribution & Sessions

Panel: Building the Tri-Lateral Corridor
Dr Karpanos joins UK and East African counterparts—including UK Export Finance and panel moderators—to explore blended-finance vehicles, UK export services, and digital trade infrastructure to accelerate seamless commerce between the UK, East Africa, and India.

Her contributions will:

  • Demystify Chambers-led export support and market research for UK SMEs targeting East Africa.
  • Showcase effective cross-border trade tools: ATA Carnets, customs facilitation, and training programs.
  • Frame Cambridgeshire–East Africa corridors as testbeds for scalable trade partnerships.

📌 Event Details & Registration

 

✅ Why This Matters

Dr Karpanos’ presence adds a critical UK regional dimension:

  • SME Growth: Linking hundreds of UK small exporters to East Africa’s emerging markets.
  • Policy Synergy: Leveraging local chambers to align export promotion with international trade policy.
  • Scalable Models: Demonstrating how regional trade hubs pilot scalable trade–investment frameworks.

Her expertise underlines the evolving UK–African partnership, emphasizing localized support structures—like Chamber-backed trade facilitation—to amplify global connections.

🔗 Background

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce appointed Dr Karpanos as International Trade Advisor in April 2024 to enhance its international trade team and uplift local businesses City Research Online+10Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+10Facebook+10Facebook+1ukafricabusinesssummit.uk+1ukafricabusinesssummit.uk+1Facebook+1. With nearly 20 years in international trade across SMEs and multinationals, she brings a rich blend of project management, academic credentials, and market experience LinkedIn+2Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+2Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce+2.

Dr Ilona Karpanos’ contributions affirm that trade growth is not just global—it’s local, targeted, and actionable. Her insights at the summit will serve as a catalyst for connecting regional UK businesses with East Africa’s investment landscape.

LISTEN TO THE Speakers

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