Expert panels & debates
Thematic discussions across the Congress’s key sectors of cooperation.
Flagship initiative
Polish–African Development Congress
“Partnership. Entrepreneurship. Sustainable Development.”
1st edition · 19–20 October 2026 · Łódź Special Economic Zone, Łódź, Poland
Project vision
A platform positioning Poland as a gateway for Africa–Europe cooperation.
PAKR is an international initiative aimed at creating a sustainable platform for cooperation between Poland, African countries, and partners from Europe and other regions of the world.
The Congress is a space for dialogue between public administration, the private sector, academic communities, and non-governmental organizations — enabling the development of economic, technological, and educational cooperation between regions.
Why now
The economic moment
Africa is rising
One of the fastest-growing global markets — driven by demographic growth, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
Diversifying partnerships
Polish companies are seeking new export markets and durable channels of international cooperation.
Direct connections
A clear demand for direct Africa–Europe business relationships, beyond intermediaries.
Institutional dialogue
Governments and institutions are looking for reliable, long-term cooperation platforms.
Scale and format
Two days, multiple formats
PAKR combines elements of an expert conference, a business forum, and a networking platform — supporting both the exchange of knowledge and the initiation of concrete cooperation projects.
B2B matchmaking
Curated business meetings between Polish and African enterprises.
Exhibition zone
A presentation space for partner companies, universities, and NGOs.
Economic mission
Day 2 study visits to Łódź-based enterprises and the Special Economic Zone.
Thematic areas
Six panel tracks
Energy & energy transition
Including renewable energy sources.
Agriculture & food security
Agri-food technologies and rural development.
Technology & innovation
Digitalization of the economy and emerging tech.
Infrastructure & industry
Industrial development and logistics corridors.
Academic & educational cooperation
Joint research, exchanges, and human capital development.
Healthcare & medical sector
Cooperation on healthcare systems and medical technologies.
Programme
Two-day overview
Day 1 — Monday
- Opening ceremony — welcome remarks by Polish and African dignitaries.
- Parliamentary panel — Political dialogue Europe–Africa.
- Cooperation for development · Security and the defence industry (parallel).
- Agriculture and food security · Infrastructure and urbanization (parallel).
- Energy, environment, and sustainable development · Technology, innovation, and digital transformation (parallel).
- Economy, trade, and investment · Education and human capital (parallel).
- Gala banquet & cultural evening — networking, artistic performances, dinner.
Day 2 — Tuesday
- Economic mission & study visits — Łódź-based enterprises in textiles, IT, logistics, medicine, and defence.
- Bilateral meetings — open scheduling for delegations and partners.
- VIP reception — at ŁSSE or a partner venue.
The detailed schedule will be published on the Congress website ahead of the event. The Organizer reserves the right to adjust the programme for organizational reasons.
Target groups
Who the Congress brings together
Enterprises & investors
Polish SMEs, companies expanding internationally, and African and European investors.
Public institutions
Ministries, local governments, development agencies, and embassies.
Universities & think tanks
Polish and African universities, research institutes, and policy organizations.
Development organizations
NGOs, foundations, and international development institutions.
Łódź & the region
Why Łódź
Łódź has evolved from a historic industrial centre into a modern business, logistics, and academic hub. Its central location, the Łódź Special Economic Zone, and a strong academic base — the University of Łódź, Łódź University of Technology, and Medical University of Łódź — make it a natural venue for an international congress oriented around investment dialogue.
The city is also a central logistics node in Poland, with growing rail connections within the New Silk Road framework, increasing its weight in international supply chains.
Country profiles
Sample participating economies
Economic profiles will be developed for African countries whose representatives express interest by 10 January 2026. The profiles support B2B matchmaking, identify investment sectors, and inform participant decisions.
Largest economy in Africa
Strong oil and gas; fast-growing fintech and e-commerce. Investment focus: digital, renewable energy, transport infrastructure.
Diversified economy
Tourism, industry, agriculture, and energy. Strategic Suez Canal location supports international trade.
Bridge between Europe and Africa
Industry, agriculture, tourism, and renewables. Stable environment and strategic geography.
Stable West African economy
Resource extraction, agriculture, growing services. Investor-friendly institutions.
Dynamic services economy
Strong services, agriculture, and fisheries. Renewable energy and logistics potential.
Innovation-led growth
One of Africa’s fastest-growing economies; strong support for digital and eco-tourism.
Macroeconomic stability
Diamonds, sound governance. Tourism, IT, water, and agriculture potential.
Major Sub-Saharan economy
Oil sector with ongoing diversification toward energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Economy in transformation
Agriculture-led, with extractive sector development. Hydro and solar energy potential.
Partners
Cooperation partners
The project is implemented in cooperation with national and international partners. More partners will be announced as the preparatory phase progresses.
- Moroccan Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA)
- Prisem Foundation (Ghana)
- Regional African and Polish representatives
- Foundation for the Support of Leukemia Patients
- ELW — Energy, People, Values Association
- Institutional and sectoral partners; institutional patronages
Project team
Leadership
Adil Abdel Aati
Founder of the Euro-African Foundation and economic advisor to Arab embassies in Poland. Long-standing experience in Europe–Africa and Europe–Middle East cooperation.
Roksana Skibińska
International development, strategic communication, and organizational structuring. Coordinates activities between Europe, Africa, and the MENA region.
Marcelina Jaroszczyk
Specialist in product management and event organization. Experience delivering large-scale in-person and online international events.
Damian Kolasa
Regional Director. President of ELW — Energy, People, Values, building cooperation between business, social, and institutional environments in the Łódź region.
Expected outcomes
Project results
Approximately 200 selected participants, delegations from at least 10 African countries, and 30 media publications in the short term — and a recurring, long-term Africa–Europe cooperation platform.
Participation
Registration & participation
Participation in the Congress is free of charge and possible only after prior registration and confirmation by the Organizer. Registration is conducted via an application form on the event website or by direct invitation.
The Organizer reserves the right to verify applications to ensure the appropriate nature of the event and the quality of networking.
For partnership and participation enquiries, contact the Foundation at office@dbf-global.org.