Abia Mobilises Local Businesses as Two Major Trade Events Draw Global Interest

Abia Mobilises Local Businesses as Two Major Trade Events Draw Global Interest
The Abia State Government is stepping up efforts to ensure local entrepreneurs and businesses take advantage of two major trade and investment events scheduled to hold in the state before the end of 2026.
The events are the AFRICANDO 2026 U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference/Expo in Umuahia and the third Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions in Aba. Punch Newspapers
Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Caleb Ajagba, said the programmes are intended to give Abia businesses an opportunity to present their products and services to investors and potential commercial partners from Nigeria and overseas.
The government is particularly encouraging manufacturers, traders, farmers, professionals, artisans, technology businesses, service providers, women entrepreneurs and young business owners to participate. Punch Newspapers
AFRICANDO 2026 heads to Umuahia
AFRICANDO 2026 is scheduled for November 17 to 19 at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
The event is being hosted by the Abia State Government and co-organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce. Abia Global Chamber of Commerce
This year's theme is “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”
The programme is expected to bring together businesses, investors, policymakers, government representatives and development organisations for discussions on expanding trade and investment between Africa and the United States.
Official event information shows that activities will include business matchmaking, investor forums, exhibitions, sector workshops, policy discussions and meetings between companies and potential partners. Eventleaf
Organisers have also planned a business engagement component aimed at connecting companies seeking investment with potential financiers and commercial partners.
Previous statements from the organising committee identified sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, technology, logistics, tourism and real estate as areas expected to feature in the investment discussions. Ikenga Online
Aba Trade Fair follows later in November
The third Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions is scheduled to begin on November 27 and continue until December 6 in Aba, according to recent reports on preparations for the programme. Vanguard News
The fair is expected to provide another platform for businesses to display products, make commercial contacts and explore wider markets.
Aba has long been associated with manufacturing and small-scale enterprise, making participation by local producers particularly important to the state's effort to connect domestic businesses with larger markets.
The government's current mobilisation campaign is therefore aimed at ensuring that visiting investors do not simply attend the events but also interact directly with businesses operating within Abia.
More than 500 foreign participants expected, official says
Ajagba said more than 500 international participants, investors and business leaders had registered for the two events.
According to him, participants are expected from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and other African countries. Punch Newspapers
That registration figure is an official government claim and Aviora should present it as such rather than as an independently audited attendance figure.
Ajagba also said demand for accommodation in Umuahia and Aba had increased ahead of the programmes.
Faith leaders asked to help reach entrepreneurs
As part of the mobilisation campaign, the state government has reached out to Christian and Muslim leaders.
Ajagba urged churches, mosques and other religious organisations to inform business owners within their communities about the upcoming events and encourage participation.
He specifically highlighted entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, professionals, artisans, young people and women involved in business. Punch Newspapers
The approach reflects the government's attempt to reach business operators who may not ordinarily participate in formal investment conferences or international trade programmes.
Focus turns to deals and market access
Beyond attracting visitors, organisers of AFRICANDO have said the success of the conference will be judged by the commercial opportunities it generates.
The organising committee has said it wants the event to produce partnerships, investment commitments, market opportunities and practical deals rather than function only as a venue for speeches and networking. Ikenga Online
For businesses in Abia, the two events could provide opportunities to meet distributors, investors and potential partners without travelling outside the state.
The challenge will be converting international attendance and exhibition activity into lasting investment, export opportunities and commercial relationships after the events end.