AfrICANDO 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
• Civil 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 ●  Healthcare ● Manufacturing          Transportation and Logistics ●   Academic Science and Technology ● 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.

• 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. 

• 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.