The CBF has grown into a major international event, which draws together business and government leaders from all Commonwealth countries for a dialogue on practical ways to enhance trade and investment. Traditionally, the CBF has been a 70/30 split of attendees from business and government.

It provides facilities that enable direct business linkages and investment promotion activities. The forum is structured around plenary sessions and interactive workshops over three days, and also provides opportunities for one-to-one business meetings.

The CBF is traditionally held on the three days preceding the Official Opening of CHOGM, to maximise the participation of and benefit to visiting Heads of Government and their delegations. It is addressed by Heads of Government, senior ministers and business leaders from around the Commonwealth and beyond.

The CBF is organised by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) in partnership with the government of the host country, through the CHOGM Taskforce and a CBF sub-committee in which CWEIC is involved. Rwanda expects between 1,000 to 1,500 delegates and government attendees at the 2020 CBF in Kigali.