Abia State is positioning itself to attract foreign and domestic investments, strengthen international business partnerships and accelerate industrial development through AfrICANDO 2026, a global investment and trade conference scheduled for November 17–19 in Umuahia.
In this interview, the state’s Special Adviser on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Chief Jerome Nbaonu Green-Amakwe, speaks on the significance of the conference, investment opportunities in Abia and the expected benefits for local businesses and the economy.
Q: What is the significance of AfrICANDO 2026 to Abia State?
Green-Amakwe: AfrICANDO 2026 is a strategic opportunity to showcase Abia’s economic potential, attract foreign and domestic investments and strengthen its connections with the global business community.
The conference will position Abia as a destination for trade, innovation, manufacturing and industrial development. Our expectation is that the international exposure will translate into concrete investment commitments, partnerships and economic opportunities for our people.
Q: When and where will the conference take place, and who are the organisers?
Green-Amakwe: The conference will hold from November 17 to 19, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
The Abia State Government is hosting the event in collaboration with the Foundation for Democracy in Africa and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce. It will bring together government officials, investors, business leaders, policymakers and development institutions from the United States and across Africa.
Q: What is the theme of the conference, and why is it relevant to Abia?
Green-Amakwe: The theme is “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”
It highlights the importance of international trade, regional integration and investment partnerships in driving economic growth.
For Abia, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers opportunities for local businesses to expand into new African markets, improve their competitiveness and attract international partnerships. Stronger commercial ties with the United States could also facilitate technology transfer, industrial collaboration, financing and market access.
Q: Which sectors will Abia showcase to prospective investors?
Green-Amakwe: We intend to highlight opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, transportation and logistics, science and technology, and the creative industries.
We are also exploring the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in improving productivity and business competitiveness. Our goal is to connect local enterprises with investors, modern technology, international markets and strategic partners.
Q: How will AfrICANDO 2026 benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
Green-Amakwe: SMEs stand to benefit through business-to-business matchmaking, exhibitions, sector-specific workshops and networking sessions.
These platforms will enable local entrepreneurs to connect with investors, buyers and potential business partners, explore new markets and improve their export readiness. We want Abia businesses to move beyond limited local markets and compete more effectively at regional and international levels.
Q: What practical outcomes does the government expect from the conference?
Green-Amakwe: We expect meaningful business connections, investment leads, strategic partnerships and opportunities for technology and knowledge transfer.
Beyond the formal sessions, prospective investors will have opportunities to engage relevant stakeholders and explore areas of collaboration with the state and private-sector operators.
Our objective goes beyond hosting a successful international event. We want AfrICANDO 2026 to support enterprise expansion, job creation and industrial growth in Abia.
Q: How does the conference align with the state’s investment promotion and PPP agenda?
Green-Amakwe: Investment promotion and public-private partnerships are important instruments for accelerating development. Government resources alone cannot meet every infrastructure and development need, making responsible private-sector participation essential.
AfrICANDO 2026 will provide an opportunity to engage investors and development partners on projects where public and private interests can converge to deliver economic value. We want investors to see Abia not just as a market but as a potential partner for long-term business growth.
Q: What opportunities are available to companies and organisations interested in participating?
Green-Amakwe: The conference will offer opportunities for sponsorship, advertising, exhibitions and direct engagement with investors, government representatives and business leaders.
Companies and organisations can showcase their products and services, promote their brands, identify potential partners and explore new commercial opportunities. We encourage interested businesses and development institutions to participate.
Q: What role will AfCFTA play in the conference?
Green-Amakwe: AfCFTA will be central to the discussions because it provides a framework for expanding intra-African trade and improving access to markets across the continent.
However, businesses must understand trade rules, product standards, logistics, export documentation and the requirements of their target markets to benefit fully.
The conference will provide a platform to discuss practical ways of helping businesses, particularly SMEs, overcome these challenges and become more productive, competitive and export-oriented.
Q: What is your message to potential investors considering Abia State?
Green-Amakwe: We invite investors to explore the opportunities across Abia’s economy. AfrICANDO 2026 will provide a platform for direct engagement with government representatives, business leaders and other stakeholders.
We encourage prospective investors to interact with local enterprises, explore partnerships and identify areas of mutual benefit. Abia is positioning itself for greater participation in the global marketplace, and we welcome credible investment partnerships that can deliver sustainable economic benefits.
Q: What should the people of Abia expect from AfrICANDO 2026?
Green-Amakwe: The people should see the conference as an opportunity to showcase Abia’s strengths, expand business connections and create pathways for economic advancement.
A successful conference should go beyond publicity. It should connect entrepreneurs to new markets, encourage investment, support industrial development and create opportunities for employment and wealth generation.
We look forward to welcoming participants to Umuahia from November 17 to 19, 2026, and are determined to make AfrICANDO 2026 a meaningful platform for showcasing Abia to the world.
