Boniface Okoro in Umuahia
Abia State Government has stated the 2026 version of the African Diaspora Conference and Expo (AFRICANDO) will function a platform for translating worldwide engagements into concrete investments and deepening industrial ties between Africa and the United States.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, acknowledged this at a media parley in Umuahia to unveil the three-day enterprise summit scheduled for November 17 to 19, 2026.
Ajagba stated AFRICANDO, anticipated to carry collectively traders, enterprise leaders, policymakers, growth companions, diplomats and entrepreneurs, would discover funding alternatives not solely in Abia however throughout Africa.
He stated the 2026 version, themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA,” will join alternatives in Abia and different African markets with American capital, expertise, experience and world distribution networks.
According to him, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides African companies alternative to develop past home markets, whereas worldwide partnerships can assist enhance manufacturing capability and competitiveness.
He stated authorities is working with the organisers to make sure the convention goes past speeches and networking to facilitate transactions, enterprise agreements and sustainable investments.
He stated Abia is strategically positioned to profit given its manufacturing and entrepreneurial power, notably Aba, famend for indigenous manufacturing, commerce and craftsmanship, including that the Otti administration is investing in infrastructure and strengthening establishments to place the state as an funding vacation spot.
