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 team to 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.