The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has concluded strategic arrangements to bring together international investors, business executives, policy decision-makers, development partners, diplomatic envoys, and entrepreneurs for the AFRICANDO 2026 conference and exhibition. ​
The high-level economic gathering is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. Centered around the theme of deepening U.S.–Africa commercial ties in the era of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the summit is designed to unlock cross-border trade opportunities and drive direct foreign investments into Abia State and the broader African market. ​
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, stated that AFRICANDO 2026 will serve as an action-oriented platform rather than a conventional talk-shop. ​”AFRICANDO 2026 is an international economic platform hosted in Abia State.
Our objective is to ensure this event moves beyond speeches and networking to facilitate real transactions, business agreements, structured MoUs, and sustainable commercial partnerships. We expect businesses seeking capital to meet investors, manufacturers to connect with international distributors, and prospective investors to discover credible, market-ready projects,” Pastor Ajagba said. ​
A key feature of the three-day summit will be a structured Deal Room and Investment Marketplace, where vetted, investment-ready initiatives from Abia State and participating enterprises will be presented to prospective American and global funding partners.
Key areas targeted for cross-border investment and technology transfer span manufacturing, consumer goods, and Made-in-Aba trade, alongside agriculture and agro-processing. The state will also spotlight high-growth sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, financial services, logistics, healthcare, and public infrastructure. ​
Adding to the state’s readiness, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Ambassador Rev. Annie Onu, emphasized that the event will leverage diaspora networks to foster economic growth, local capacity building, and cultural exchanges.
​”AFRICANDO 2026 provides a vital bridge for Africans at home and in the diaspora to unite, exchange market intelligence, and showcase Abia’s unique economic strengths to international partners. The registration details and participation guidelines for local businesses looking to exhibit will be released shortly,” Amb. Rev. Annie Onu noted. ​
Governor Otti’s administration highlighted recent governance achievements, including a major reduction in the state’s debt profile alongside aggressive infrastructure rehabilitation, as part of ongoing reforms to guarantee a secure and friendly climate for private enterprise. ​
The state government has extended invitations to U.S. corporate delegations, African sub-national governments, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and diaspora groups to participate in the landmark Umuahia event.
