EVENTS 2025
MARITIME & THE BLUE ECONOMY WEBINAR
We held a third engaging webinar which focused on the maritime and blue economy, bringing together businesses from Scotland and Kenya to address critical challenges in these sectors and speakers including the President of Kenya's Advisor on the Blue Economy, Nancy Karigithu, Gatsby Africa and the Scottish Maritime Cluster. Kenya’s coastal and marine environments face significant threats from pollution, overfishing and climate change. In response, Scottish businesses, leaders in maritime technology & skills training and the blue economy, can play a key role in driving sustainable solutions.
SCOTLAND-
COTE D'IVOIRE RESEARCH & INNOVATION EXCHANGE
Our Scotland–Côte d'Ivoire Research & Innovation Exchange roundtable was a resounding success, bringing together leading experts, institutions and businesses from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, education and technology. The event highlighted the mutual potential for innovation-led growth and delegates left inspired by the shared commitment to advancing research, knowledge exchange and sustainable development between Scotland and Côte d'Ivoire.
SABA Briefing: UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA WITH DBT
Over 40 delegates registered for this inaugural session, diving into the practical ways the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) can support businesses looking to engage with African markets. We heard from our speakers that whether you're new to exporting or scaling up existing operations, DBT can help navigate regulatory requirements and provide guidance on accessing finance and managing risk. It’s a genuinely valuable resource for businesses with international ambitions. This session is part of a new initiative to keep Scottish Africa Business Association members and partners in the loop with timely updates, practical tools and direct access to the people who can really make things happen.
Côte d’Ivoire Delegation Visits Aberdeen to Boost UK–West Africa Trade
Aberdeen welcomed a high‑level delegation from Côte d’Ivoire for a series of high-impact meetings and site visits aimed at strengthening economic ties across energy, education & skills training and maritime innovation. The visit featured guided tours of Aberdeen’s key facilities, one-on-one business matchmaking sessions, and a roundtable lunch attended by senior figures from both Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire.
SABA Welcomes Ambassador of Morocco to Scotland
The Scottish Africa Business Association was proud to be at the heart of the recent visit by His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco Hakin Hajoui — curating a dynamic and impactful business programme across Scotland. Over three days, we brought together businesses, government representatives, educational institutions and strategic partners to explore shared priorities in renewable energy, agritech, education & skills training and international collaboration.
From roundtables and campus tours to technical briefings and innovation showcases, this visit was a fantastic opportunity for our members and wider network to engage directly, build relationships and explore real-world opportunities for collaboration with Morocco.