AfrICANDO 2026
November 17 - 19, 2026  ·  The International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
ο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»Ώο»ΏAfrICANDO is the premier U.S.-Africa trade and investment Conference/Expo. It facilitates business cooperation and engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), providing a unique platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and position African markets as a hub for global trade. 
With Africa’s regional integration and global markets expanding, AfrICANDO 2026 returns to Africa and is hosted by the Abia State Government. The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce co-organize this multi-day conference, featuring plenary sessions, policy forums, business matchmaking, an expo, and the Medal of Glory Awards (MOGA) Gala.
This year’s theme is Deepening U.S.-Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA. Accordingly, the program equips businesses, policymakers, and civil society with the tools, insights, and partnerships to access new opportunities across Africa. Whether you seek market entry, investment prospects, policy updates, or strategic alliances, AfrICANDO 2026 is the starting point.

AfrICANDO 2026 will bring together: 
  • Private‑sector leaders, SMEs and investors
  • ο»ΏCivil society organizations
  • U.S. and African government officials
  • Multilateral development institutions
  • Policy experts and trade and investment experts 

Over three days, participants will explore opportunities and solutions to:
  • Accelerate AfCFTA implementation. 
  • Expand U.S.–Africa trade and investment.
  • Strengthen SME export readiness and competitiveness.
  • Display the potential of innovation, manufacturing, and the creative industry.
  • Build durable partnerships that drive shared prosperity.

    Focus Sectors:  
    Agriculture ● Consumer Goods ● Energy ● Financial Services β—  Healthcare β— Manufacturing          Transportation and Logistics ●   Academic Science and Technology β— AI

    The International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, serves as the hub for high-level dialogue, business matchmaking, capacity-building workshops, and sector-focused exhibitions, offering a seamless venue for all conference activities.

    Why Attend?
    • Identify new opportunities and markets for your business: Create business linkages, foster partnerships, and increase sales. 
    • Expert-Led Panels & Workshops: Gain insights from global experts on critical sectors that drive African trade and investment, including market trends and regulatory changes.
    • Collaborative Discussions: Participate in pioneering conversations on shaping the future of intra-Africa trade and investment and of trade and investment relations between the U.S. and Africa. 
    • Networking Opportunities: Engage with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from Africa and the U.S. to discuss potential collaborations, gain industry insights, and form valuable connections. 
    • Build Long-Term Partnerships: Meet decision-makers, explore new opportunities, and create valuable connections that can lead to future ventures. 
    Who Should Attend?
    • Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs desiring to explore new opportunities in cross-border and U.S.-Africa trade.
    • Investors looking to tap into high-growth sectors in both regions.
    • Government Officials striving to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.
    • Industry Professionals from the focus sectors, i.e., transportation, banking, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and education.
    • High-Ranking Executives seeking to expand their businesses globally.
    AfrICANDO provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) with opportunities to engage, build linkages, and form partnerships with U.S. businesses, thereby expanding U.S.-Africa trade and cultural ties. 

    Tickets


    Members
    Conference Registration
    Registration for Conference/Expo and Select Meals for 1 person
    250.00 USD
    Exhibit Booth
    1 Exhibit Booth, and Conference/Expo and Select Meals for 2 people
    1,250.00 USD
    Gala Dinner Ticket
    1 Ticket to Gala Awards Dinner- includes Awards Presentation, Dinner, and Entertainment
    200.00 USD
    Gala Table (10 seats) Awards Dinner
    A table of 10 seats for the Gala Awards Dinner - includes Awards Presentation, Dinner, and Entertainment
    1,750.00 USD

    Non-Members
    Early Bird Exhibit Booth plus 1 Gala Ticket
    1 Exhibit Booth, Registration for Conference/Expo, Select Meals for 2 people, and 1 Ticket to the Gala Awards Dinner
    1,325.00 USD
    Conference Registration
    Registration for Conference/Expo and Select Meals for 1 person
    325.00 USD
    Exhibit Booth
    1 Exhibit Booth, Registration for Conference/Expo, Select Meals for 2 people, and 1 Ticket to the Gala Awards Dinner
    1,325.00 USD
    Gala Dinner Ticket
    1 Ticket to Gala Awards Dinner- includes Awards Presentation, Dinner, and Entertainment for 1 person
    200.00 USD
    Gala Table (10 seats) Awards Dinner
    10 Tickets to Gala Awards Dinner - includes Awards Presentation, Dinner, and Entertainment for a table of 10 people
    1,900.00 USD

    Sponsors
    Sponsor Registration
    0.00 USD

    Stand Alone Options
    Government Rate Option 1
    Registration for Conference/Expo, Select Meals, and Gala Awards Dinner for 1 person
    395.00 USD
    Government Rate Option 2
    Registration for Seminars, Expo, and Select Meals
    250.00 USD

    Agenda

    Monday, November 16
    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Registration, Booth Assignments, and Booth Setup
    Tuesday, November 17
    8:00 AM
    8:00 AM
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    Conference Officially Opens
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    Expo Officially Opens
    10:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    10:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    Concurrent Workshops for Focus Sectors
    12:45 PM - 1:55 PM
    12:45 PM - 1:55 PM
    Lunch and Networking
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Concurrent Sector Roundtables
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Group Tour of Exhibit Hall
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    Hosted by the Abia State Government
    7:00 PM
    7:00 PM
    Wednesday, November 18
    8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    U.S.–Africa Trade in a Competitive Global Landscape: Advancing Long-Term Market Access, Investment, and Commercial Partnerships
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Expo Hall Open Until 7:00 PM
    10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
    10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
    Concurrent Workshops for Focus Sectors
    12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
    12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
    Lunch and Networking
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Site Visits, B2B Networking, and Closed-Door Meetings
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    Refreshments and Networking
    7:00 PM
    7:00 PM
    Thursday, November 19
    8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration, Continental Breakfast and Networking
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Recommendations and the Way Forward
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Expo Hall Open Until 4:00 pm
    11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    B2B Meetings and Site Visits Continued
    4:00 PM
    4:00 PM
    6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
    6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
    Reception, Awards, Dinner, and Entertainment
    10:30 PM
    10:30 PM
    Friday, November 20
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
    Optional Excursions across Abia State and the surrounding region

    Location

    Location: The International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, , Abia

    More...

    International Travel & Flight Guide

    AfrICANDO 2026: 27th Annual U.S.–AFRICA TRADE & INVESTMENT CONFERENCE/ EXPO

    and

    MEDAL OF GLORY AWARDS

    November 17–19, 2026 | International Conference Center, Umuahia, Abia State

     

     

    ✈️ INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & FLIGHT GUIDE

     

    If you are attending AfriCANDO 2026, please plan to arrive in Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt by November 16, 2026, using one of the three suggested travel routes. This will allow our logistics teams in Abuja and Lagos to arrange your transfer to Owerri by November 17, 2026.

     

    🟒 OPTION 1:   PORT HARCOURT

            Recommended Direct Ground-Transfer Route

    🌍 International Flight

    β†“βœˆοΈ Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)

    β†“πŸš Abia State Government Transportation & Security

    β†“πŸ¨ Hotel in Umuahia or Aba

     

    Delegates arriving internationally through Port Harcourt will be received and transported by road to their designated hotels in Abia State.

     

     

    πŸ”΅ OPTION 2: LAGOS

    🌍 International Flight

    β†“βœˆοΈ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS)

    β†“βœˆοΈ Domestic Flight: Lagos β†’ Owerri (QOW)

    β†“πŸš Abia State Government Transportation & Security

    β†“πŸ¨ Hotel in Umuahia or Aba

     

    The Abia State Government Liaison Office in Lagos will assist registered delegates with airport/hotel transfers and their onward travel arrangements.

     

     

    🟠 OPTION 3: ABUJA

    🌍 International Flight

    β†“βœˆοΈ Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (ABV)

    β†“βœˆοΈ Domestic Flight: Abuja β†’ Owerri (QOW)↓

    🚐 Abia State Government Transportation & Security

    β†“πŸ¨ Hotel in Umuahia or Aba

     

     The Abia State Government Liaison Office in Abuja will assist registered delegates with airport/hotel transfers and their onward travel arrangements.

    -🚐 ARRIVAL IN OWERRI

     

    Delegates arriving at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri (QOW) will be provided with coordinated transportation and security to their designated hotels in Umuahia or Aba.

     

    πŸ“‹ BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

    Please submit your itinerary to the AfriCANDO 2026 Travel & Protocol Team in advance:

     

    Full Name β€’ Airline β€’ Flight Number β€’ Arrival Airport β€’ Arrival Date & Time β€’ Domestic Flight Details β€’ Hotel β€’ Mobile/WhatsApp Number

     

    IMPORTANT

    Delegates connecting through Lagos or Abuja should allow sufficient time between their international arrival and domestic flight to Owerri for immigration, baggage collection, customs, terminal transfer, and domestic check-in.

     

    AfrICANDO 2026: Connecting US- Africa β€’ Diaspora β€’ Trade β€’ Investment