Royal African Society celebrates 125 years of connecting Africa and the UK at the London Stock Exchange
The Royal African Society (R.A.S.), the only Royal Charter dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Africa, today celebrated its 125th Anniversary at the London Stock Exchange. It is marking more than a century of fostering dialogue, partnership and collaboration between Africa and the UK. We are honoured to have Prince of Wales, Prince William as its Royal Patron and Professor Oramah as its Second Patron.
Founded in 1901, the Royal African Society has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, strengthening cultural exchange, informing policy discussions and supporting commercial engagement between Africa and the United Kingdom. Today’s celebration reflects the Society’s enduring commitment to convening leaders from government, business, academia, the arts and civil society to shape Africa’s global future.
The anniversary event brought together senior policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, diplomats, academics and cultural leaders to celebrate the importance of Africa to the global economy. The event also reaffirms the Society’s mission of promoting informed engagement, sustainable partnerships and inclusive prosperity.
As Africa is the world’s fastest-growing economic region, the Royal African Society remains committed to providing a trusted platform where ideas, investment and innovation converge. Its high-level programmes include this annual business event, its African Conversations Series, Film Africa Festival, African Literary Festival, policy dialogues, cultural programmes and educational events as well as its journal African Affairs and its online magazine, Africa Arguments. The programmes enable the Society to continue to strengthen relationships that create lasting impact across the continent and beyond.
“The Royal African Society is proud of its unique position as the only Royal Charter dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Africa. It remains steadfast in its commitment to convening the conversations, partnerships and collaborations that will unlock Africa’s vast opportunities, advance sustainable prosperity across the continent, and strengthen UK–Africa relations for generations to come.
The Royal African Society’s 125th Anniversary programme which commenced with this flagship celebration at the London Stock Exchange will continue until June 2027. The one-year programme will include a series of high-profile events celebrating excellence in business, culture, education, diplomacy and public policy, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to Africa and UK –Africa engagement.”
Stella Okuzu
Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society
“For 125 years, the Royal African Society has served as a bridge between Africa and the United Kingdom, bringing together academia, leaders, innovators, investors, artists and policymakers, to build strong partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared opportunity. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we are honouring this rich heritage. We are also looking ahead to Africa’s extraordinary future and its role globally as where Africa goes is where the world will go.”
Arunma Oteh OON
Chairperson of the Royal African Society
