FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, United Kingdom | Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland
The Organising Committee of the London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA), under the leadership of CaterandMerger Consult UK, in strategic collaboration with Africa-Next-Gen, the Africa Institute of Arts and Design, Maandeeq Cafeteria UK, and other international and diaspora partners, is honoured to announce that the Government of the Republic of Somaliland has formally endorsed and confirmed its hosting of the 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) 2026 – First Africa Edition, “Beyond London.”
The Summit is scheduled to take place from 15–18 October 2026 in Hargeisa, the capital of the Republic of Somaliland, under the distinguished patronage and official hosting of the Government of the Republic of Somaliland.
This official endorsement marks a significant milestone in the eleven-year history of the London Political Summit and Awards. Since its inception in 2016, the Summit has evolved into an internationally recognised platform for high-level dialogue on democratic governance, diplomacy, peacebuilding, political leadership, trade, investment, and sustainable development, bringing together government leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, business executives, academics, civil society organisations, and diaspora stakeholders from Africa, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the wider international community.
A Historic Transition: From London to Africa
The 2026 edition represents the Summit’s first official African country edition under the theme “Beyond London,” signifying the strategic expansion of the platform from its traditional base in the United Kingdom to the African continent.
While the Summit proudly retains its roots in London, where it has been successfully convened for over a decade, the decision to launch the First Africa Edition reflects the Organising Committee’s commitment to bringing international policy dialogue, investment engagement, and Pan-African cooperation directly to Africa.
This landmark initiative demonstrates the growing international relevance of the Summit and its vision of creating stronger institutional links between Africa, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the global African diaspora.
Official Host Government
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has graciously accepted the honour of hosting this historic First Africa Edition, reaffirming its commitment to international engagement, democratic governance, regional peace, and economic cooperation.
The Summit will be convened with the support of the Presidency, relevant Government Ministries, Parliament, public institutions, the Somaliland business community, diplomatic representatives, and members of the Somaliland diaspora.
The official endorsement by the Government provides an important platform for expanding Somaliland’s engagement with international policymakers, investors, development institutions, and strategic partners.
A Gathering of Continental and Global Leaders
The Summit is expected to attract a distinguished international audience, including invited Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, business executives, traditional rulers, development partners, academics, civil society leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and members of the African diaspora.
Senior representatives of the Government of Somaliland, including Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, local government leaders, and public institutions, are expected to participate alongside international delegations.
The official opening ceremony is expected to be presided over by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Somaliland, who will formally welcome international delegates and officially declare the Summit open, subject to the final State programme.
The London Edition Continues
As part of the Summit’s expanded international programme, the traditional London Political Summit and Awards will continue to be held in the United Kingdom as scheduled.
The London programme is planned to take place at the Palace of Westminster, where the Organising Committee anticipates the participation and support of Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, Member of Parliament for Burnley, as host, and Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA, as Chair of the proceedings, subject to final parliamentary and programme confirmations.
Following the London engagements, it is anticipated that a high-level international delegation comprising parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, traditional rulers, investors, academics, and development partners will travel to Somaliland to participate in the First Africa Edition, reinforcing collaboration between the United Kingdom and Africa.
A Strategic Opportunity for Somaliland
Hosting the First Africa Edition of the London Political Summit and Awards presents Somaliland with an exceptional opportunity to showcase its achievements, aspirations, and development potential to a distinguished international audience.
The Summit will provide an important platform to highlight Somaliland’s progress in democratic governance, peacebuilding, institution-building, entrepreneurship, education, culture, trade, and investment.
It will also create opportunities to strengthen dialogue on regional cooperation within the Horn of Africa while promoting Somaliland as an emerging destination for responsible investment, business partnerships, higher education collaboration, tourism, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The programme will include high-level policy dialogues, business and investment forums, diplomatic engagements, parliamentary exchanges, diaspora networking sessions, leadership awards, and cultural diplomacy events designed to foster meaningful international partnerships.
Summit Theme
The 2026 Summit will be convened under the theme:
“Pan-Africanism and the African Union: The People, Place, Politics, Power and Peace – Trade by Peace and the Raila Odinga Diplomacy Approach.”
Held in honour of the one-year memorial of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the Summit will celebrate his legacy of democratic leadership, Pan-African cooperation, and peace diplomacy while advancing dialogue on governance, regional integration, economic transformation, conflict resolution, youth leadership, and sustainable development.
Building Lasting Partnerships
The Organising Committee believes that the First Africa Edition will contribute to strengthening cooperation between governments, international organisations, the private sector, development partners, academic institutions, and diaspora communities.
Through structured dialogue and strategic engagement, the Summit seeks to generate new partnerships that support investment, policy innovation, knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and sustainable development across Africa.
The Summit also recognises the critical role of diaspora communities as strategic partners in nation-building, investment promotion, entrepreneurship, innovation, and international diplomacy.
Looking Ahead
The official endorsement by the Government of the Republic of Somaliland represents not only a significant achievement for the London Political Summit and Awards but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its international development.
As the Summit enters its second decade, “Beyond London” reflects a bold vision of taking global conversations on governance, democracy, peace, trade, investment, and leadership directly to Africa, while maintaining London as its founding home and principal international platform.
The Organising Committee expresses its profound appreciation to His Excellency the President, the Government, Parliament, and the people of the Republic of Somaliland for their confidence, partnership, and commitment in hosting this historic First Africa Edition.
We look forward to welcoming distinguished delegates from across Africa and the international community to Somaliland in October 2026 as we collectively advance a shared vision of peace, prosperity, democratic governance, and Pan-African cooperation.
Issued by:
CaterandMerger Consult UK
Convener, London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA)
In collaboration with:
Africa-Next-Gen
Africa Institute of Arts and Design
Maandeeq Cafeteria UK
Supported by:
Office of the African JetAge Nation Builders
Occupational Safety and Health Association UK
For media enquiries and partnership opportunities:
London Political Summit and Awards Secretariat
CaterandMerger Consult UK
