Entrepreneur and development strategist Freda Cooper says African expertise must take its rightful place in shaping global economic policy, as her firm, Africa International Business Consultancy engages at the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
“We are expanding not just geographically, but in vision,” said Cooper, who leads the Ghana- and Italy-based consultancy. “We believe that meaningful development happens when solutions are both locally grounded and globally informed.”
Speaking from the high-level meetings scheduled from April 21 to 26, Cooper emphasised the importance of African voices in global development conversations. “Our work in Ghana and Bridging has laid a strong foundation for understanding the unique economic challenges and opportunities across both African and European coastal regions,” she said.
“This accreditation is not only a recognition of our past efforts, but also a gateway to contribute more actively to global development conversations.”
Africa International Business Consultancy was recently accredited to participate in the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund — a platform that brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and private sector leaders to address pressing global issues such as climate resilience, debt sustainability and inclusive growth.
The consultancy has earned a strong reputation for its work in sustainable infrastructure and regional economic planning. Its dual base in Ghana and Bridging, Italy, allows it to straddle two dynamic economic spaces, bringing valuable cross-continental perspective to its advisory work.
With its roots in development strategy and a growing track record in coastal infrastructure, the firm is now eyeing broader influence across Africa. “We’re setting our sights on other promising coastal areas with high development potential,” Cooper revealed. “This isn’t just about expansion—it’s about deepening our impact.”
The company’s participation in the global finance meetings highlights the growing credibility of African consultancies on the world stage. Cooper sees the moment as part of a larger shift. “It’s important that voices from Africa, particularly those that reflect real experience in local development, are present where the big decisions are made,” she said.
The 2025 World Bank and IMF meetings come at a time when Africa faces pressing economic and climate-related challenges. Cooper believes it is also a moment of opportunity. “A more inclusive global economy starts with us,” she said. “And we’re ready to represent Ghana—and Africa—on that journey.”
Africa International Business Consultancy specialises in development strategy, coastal infrastructure, and sustainable regional planning, and is now positioning itself to shape discourse well beyond the continent.
