The PALOP Society – Parliamentary Launch Reception

The PALOP Society is pleased to announce its official Parliamentary Launch Reception, a high-level gathering bringing together diplomats, parliamentarians, academics, business leaders and members of the Portuguese-speaking African diaspora in the United Kingdom.

This launch represents one of the few events of its kind, convening all five PALOP nations: Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe under a coordinated platform for the first time in Parliament. The event seeks to bridge long-standing gaps in UK–PALOP engagement and open pathways for strategic cooperation across trade, economic development, policy dialogue, innovation, research and cultural exchange.

What is The PALOP Society?

The PALOP Society is a new, non-partisan organisation dedicated to strengthening cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Portuguese-speaking African nations. Its mission is to unite voices, build futures and establish a long-term framework for collaboration across diplomacy, business, academia, governance and community empowerment. The organisation works with representatives from across the British political spectrum and key international partners.

Speakers (To be updated)

• Calvin Bailey MP, UK Trade Envoy to Angola (sponsor and keynote speaker)

• The Ambassador of Angola to the United Kingdom

• The High Commissioner / Ambassador of Mozambique to the United Kingdom

• Senior academics from King’s College London specialising in African development, governance and international policy

• Business leaders and investors working across the PALOP region

• Representatives from the PALOP diaspora in the United Kingdom

• Additional MPs, Lords and civic leaders (to be announced)

Why Attend

• This reception marks the beginning of a coordinated, long-term effort to strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the UK and PALOP nations.

• It brings together ambassadors, parliamentarians, academics and business leaders, an unusually comprehensive gathering for this region.

• Attendees will gain insight into emerging opportunities across trade corridors, investment, green energy, technology, innovation, skills development, and enterprise growth.

• The event supports the empowerment and visibility of the PALOP diaspora in the UK and highlights new channels for engagement and representation.

• It offers unparalleled networking opportunities within Parliament.