James Duddridge 2016 Speaker

Former Minister for Africa, UK

Biography

James Duddridge MP was the UK’s Minister for Africa from 2014 to 2016.   During this time he visited over 20 countries meeting Presidents, Prime Ministers and business leaders.  His particular passion is business in Africa and specifically how business growth can help grow the continent out of poverty.

He has been Chairman of the All Party Group on Africa, a member of the International Development Committee and a Member of Parliament since 2005.  Prior to being Minister for Africa he was also a Trustee of a charity which offered business coaching to entrepreneurs in Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda.

He helped set up the UK’s first internet market research firm YouGov which is now listed on the London Stock Exchange.  Prior to that he spent 10 years in banking and asset management.  He worked and lived in Swaziland, Côte D’Ivoire and Botswana.

He is an avid investor and is currently looking to set up a UK based African investment fund.