Head of Investment and Trade Promotion - W2A Connect Lead at Welcome2Africa

Role Overview

• The Head of Investment and Trade Promotion (W2A Connect Lead) will play a pivotal role in positioning W2A as Africa’s foremost convenor of investment and trade stakeholders across key sectors.
• Beyond fostering dialogue, the role is focused on delivering tangible outcomes facilitating investments and trade deals that drive Africa’s growth.

This individual will:

• Lead the design, management, and execution of flagship events, convenings, and international trade missions.
• Drive sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue generation.
• Build and manage a high-performing team.
• Spearhead the rollout of W2A Connect, W2A’s convening and networking subsidiary.
• Strengthen W2A’s brand positioning globally (Europe, U.S., Asia).

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Convenings & Events

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute W2A’s signature events with a strong focus on facilitating trade and investment.
• Ensure events are research-backed, addressing real sector-specific gaps and opportunities.
• Develop annual event calendars, sponsorship strategies, and revenue projections.
• Lead international trade and investment missions (both inward and outward).

Sales & Revenue Generation

• Design and implement sales strategies for sponsorships, exhibitor packages, delegate tickets, and partnerships.
• Secure sponsorships and partnerships from corporates, DFIs, banks, and government agencies.
• Consistently meet and exceed revenue targets tied to events and W2A Connect.

Team Building & Leadership

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team of event and business development professionals.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure delivery excellence.
• Establish systems for event management, client relationship tracking, and deal closure.

Cross-Departmental & Subsidiary Collaboration

• Collaborate with W2A Research and Strategy Department to identify impactful themes and provide evidence-driven convenings.
• Work with W2A Capital, W2A Trade, and the Investment & Trade Facilitation teamto translate convenings into tangible deals.
• Partner with Growth and Communications to enhance visibility and secure sponsorships.

Global Brand Positioning & W2A Connect Rollout:

• Lead the launch and growth of W2A Connect as a stand-alone convening subsidiary.
• Position W2A’s convenings globally as entry points for investment and trade in Africa.
• Strengthen W2A’s global visibility through strategic partnerships, media, and thought leadership engagements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree is an added advantage).
• 5–10 years of experience in investment promotion, trade facilitation, event management, or business development, with at least 5 years in leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale international convenings and trade missions.
• Strong network across investors, corporates, DFIs, governments, and trade institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sales, sponsorships, and revenue generation.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently within and outside Africa.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Strong business development and negotiation skills.
• Project and event management expertise.
• Team leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• High-level networking and stakeholder management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Global mindset with strong cultural adaptability.

Compensation & Benefits

• A competitive and commensurate remuneration package based on experience and performance.
• Performance-based incentives tied to revenue generation and investment/trade outcomes.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the W2A Group.
• Exposure to high-level international stakeholders and participation in global trade and investment missions.
• A dynamic, impact-driven work environment with room for innovation and creativity.