Abia to Host AFRICANDO 2026, Targets Global Exposure for Abia Entrepreneurs and Trade Deals 

_“Emphasis will be on Deals, Partnerships, Investments and Market Access” — Govt_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Abia State Government has announced it will host the 2026 edition of AFRICANDO, a U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference and Expo, from November 17 to 19, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The Pan-African investment and trade conference is being organised by the Abia Diaspora Commission in partnership with the Foundation for Democracy in Africa and the Global Chamber of Commerce. The goal, according to government, is to showcase Abia’s economic potential and attract international investment.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the conference hall of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, formally unveiled AFRICANDO 2026.

“This press conference is to formally unveil AFRICANDO 2026, as one of the foremost platforms for advancing commercial, investment and economic relationships between Africa and the United States,” he said.

“The 2026 edition represents an important opportunity to move conversations from trade promotion to actual transactions, investments and sustainable commercial partnerships.”

“Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA”. Pastor Ajagba said the theme is significant as Africa builds one of the world’s largest integrated markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Describing the hosting as strategic, Pastor Ajagba said Abia occupies a key position in Nigeria’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the State Government has embarked on an ambitious programme of rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening institutions, improving the business environment and repositioning Abia as a destination for private capital,” he stated.

“Our objective is to demonstrate that sub-national governments can become active partners in international trade, investment promotion and economic diplomacy.”

Pastor Ajagba assured that AFRICANDO 2026 would be outcome-focused.

“AFRICANDO 2026 would not just be a conference without measurable outcomes. The emphasis will be on Deals, Partnerships, Investments and Market Access. We expect businesses seeking capital to meet investors. Manufacturers seeking international markets should meet distributors and buyers. Investors seeking viable opportunities should encounter credible projects,” he said.

*Agriculture and agro-processing, Manufacturing, Consumer goods, Energy, Financial services, Healthcare, Transportation and logistics, Academic science and technology, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, among others.

He disclosed that participants are expected from other African countries, the United States, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Nigeria has been chosen as a hub, while Abia will serve as the Anglophone hub for West Africa.

“This is not a trade fair, but an international trade conference,” he added, urging entrepreneurs to participate.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the conference will provide a platform for Abia to showcase its economic opportunities, locally made products and entrepreneurial strength.

“It will promote trade, cultural exchange and economic cooperation while strengthening the State’s relationship with the international business community and creating new opportunities for local businesses,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Mrs Annie Onu, described AFRICANDO as “a unique initiative that will unite Africans for economic development and mutual cooperation.”

“AFRICANDO is a unique investment that will unite Africans, not only Nigeria. It will encourage other African countries coming to our state to see what Abia has and what God has blessed us with, while we also learn from them,” she said.