Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Government is set to host the 2026 edition of AfriCANDO, the U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference and Expo in a move to showcase its economic potential, attract investments and strengthen global business connections.

The programme is slated for November 17 to 19, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The event is expected to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, development institutions, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from the United States, Africa and beyond, providing Abia State with an international platform to present its investment opportunities and position itself as an emerging destination for trade, innovation and industrial development.

AfriCANDO 2026 is being hosted by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Diaspora Commission and co-organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce.

The conference, which returns to the African continent, is themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”

It is designed to strengthen commercial cooperation, promote cross-border trade and investment, and explore opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For Abia State, the conference presents an opportunity to showcase its economic strengths to the international community, establish strategic partnerships and attract investments into productive sectors of the economy.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, policy forums, sector-specific workshops, business-to-business matchmaking, exhibitions and the Medal of Glory Awards (MOGA) Gala Dinner.

These activities are expected to facilitate engagement between public- and private-sector stakeholders and encourage partnerships capable of generating sustainable economic benefits.

Key sectors to be featured include agriculture, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, academic science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

Participants are expected to explore practical approaches to accelerating AfCFTA implementation, expanding U.S.–Africa trade and investment, improving the export readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting innovation, manufacturing and the creative industry.

The conference will also provide entrepreneurs and business owners with opportunities to identify new markets, connect with potential investors, gain insights into international trade regulations and establish commercial relationships with counterparts in the United States and other African countries.

Small and medium-sized enterprises and civil society organisations are expected to benefit from opportunities to develop business linkages and partnerships with U.S. companies, contributing to stronger trade, investment and cultural relations between both regions.

Beyond the conference sessions, investors and business leaders will have opportunities to assess Abia State’s business environment, engage relevant stakeholders and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The event will equally offer sponsorship, advertising and exhibition opportunities for businesses, corporate organisations and development institutions seeking visibility among government officials, investors and industry leaders from Africa and the United States.

With its emphasis on trade facilitation, investment promotion and international partnerships, AfriCANDO 2026 is expected to strengthen Abia State’s engagement with the global business community and create opportunities for local enterprises to access wider markets.

The hosting of the conference aligns with the broader objective of positioning Abia as a competitive destination for business, investment and industrial growth, while demonstrating the state’s capacity to host major international engagements.

As preparations gather momentum, the conference is expected to place Umuahia at the centre of conversations on U.S.–Africa commercial relations and provide a platform for Abia State to demonstrate its economic potential, connect local businesses with international opportunities and deepen its participation in the expanding African and global marketplace.