Rt Hon Mark Simmonds is a highly respected international advisor and former UK Government Minister with extensive experience across public and private sectors, particularly in Africa, emerging markets, and global investment.

He served as the UK Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness from 2001 to 2015, and as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office from 2012 to 2014. In this ministerial role, he was responsible for Africa, the Caribbean, the UK Overseas Territories, International Energy, and Conflict Prevention. He also chaired the UN Security Council on two occasions and acted as a Senior Advisor to then Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mark brings deep knowledge of the economic and political dynamics across African regions, having focused on driving inward investment across key sectors including energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and financial services.  

He currently holds several influential roles: Chairman of Invest Africa, a platform connecting investors to opportunities across the continent Chairman of Premier Invest, delivering Africa-focused investment solutions and financial services Chairman of Forever Learn, a digital education platform Senior Advisor to Sidara, a global infrastructure and project management firm Senior Advisor to International Hospitals Group, a healthcare development company  Mark is also active in the non-profit sector, serving as Honorary Vice President of Flora & Fauna International, a Trustee of the British Institute in East Africa, and a Board Member of Engender Health.  He is a Member of His Majesty’s Privy Council and is married with three children.