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The Abia State Government is preparing to host the 2026 edition of AfrICANDO, a major U.S.–Africa trade and investment conference expected to attract investors, business executives, policymakers and development partners to Umuahia from November 17 to 19.
The three-day event will take place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, with the state government seeking to use the gathering to promote its economic opportunities, attract foreign investment and establish stronger business relationships with international partners.
Organised by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Diaspora Commission, the conference is being co-organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce.
The conference, themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA,” will focus on expanding trade relations between Africa and the United States while exploring the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Participants are expected to examine ways to improve cross-border commerce, encourage industrial development and strengthen partnerships between businesses across both regions.
The programme will feature business exhibitions, policy discussions, sector-specific workshops, business-to-business meetings and the Medal of Glory Awards Gala Dinner. These activities are expected to create opportunities for investors and local entrepreneurs to engage directly, identify areas of mutual interest and establish commercial partnerships.
Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, financial services, transportation, logistics, technology and artificial intelligence are among the sectors expected to receive attention during the conference.
Discussions will also address how small and medium-sized enterprises can improve their export capacity, access international markets, understand trade regulations and attract investment to expand their operations.
The event is expected to provide Abia-based businesses with opportunities to connect with American and African companies, explore new markets and build relationships that could support their growth. Civil society organisations and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in efforts to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation.
Beyond the conference sessions, investors and business leaders will have the opportunity to assess Abia’s business environment, interact with relevant government officials and explore potential investment opportunities across the state.
Sponsorship, advertising and exhibition opportunities will also be available to companies, corporate organisations and development institutions seeking to promote their products and services to an international audience.
The hosting of AfrICANDO 2026 represents an opportunity for Abia to strengthen its presence in international trade discussions and demonstrate its readiness to welcome investors and business partnerships.
As preparations continue, Umuahia is expected to become a meeting point for stakeholders seeking to deepen U.S.–Africa commercial relations, with the state government hoping to translate the international gathering into wider market access, investment opportunities and economic benefits for local businesses.
