Abia to Host African Diaspora Conference as Otti Targets Increased Investment

Abia State is set to host the 2026 African Diaspora Conference and Expo (AFRICANDO) as part of efforts to attract foreign investment, strengthen international trade and create economic opportunities for local businesses. The three-day event will take place from November 17 to 19 in Umuahia, bringing together business leaders, investors, policymakers, educators and trade experts from Africa and the United States.

Speaking in Abuja on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the state's Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, said Abia's growing industrial activities and ongoing development initiatives influenced its selection as the host state. He noted that the administration had prioritised infrastructure, security, electricity supply, skills development and entrepreneurship to improve the state's economic potential.

Ajagba identified Aba's manufacturing industry as one of the major attractions for international investors, describing the commercial city as a place with considerable capacity to produce different categories of goods. He explained that the conference would create opportunities for local manufacturers to establish business relationships with international partners.

He added that AFRICANDO would support small and medium-sized enterprises by improving access to funding, production equipment and international markets. According to him, the state government is also implementing policies designed to help local businesses expand beyond domestic markets.

Meanwhile, the President of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, Fred Oladeinde, disclosed that plans were underway to establish a trade centre and civil society network to connect Nigerian businesses with international investment opportunities. The proposed initiatives will work with organisations such as the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce and the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce to strengthen commercial partnerships.

Oladeinde explained that manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Aba could benefit significantly from improved access to markets across Nigeria and West Africa. He also said the initiative would support efforts to secure a longer-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has reportedly been extended until December 2028.

The conference, themed "Deepening U.S.-Africa Commercial Ties in the Area of AfCFTA and AGOA," will examine ways to use existing trade agreements to expand business opportunities between Africa and the United States. Discussions will cover eight economic sectors, including agriculture, consumer goods, financial services, insurance and healthcare.

Beyond the business discussions, the three-day event will feature the presentation of the Medal of Glory Award to outstanding Africans. Organisers also expect to unveil the proposed trade centre and civil society network during the conference, with the broader objective of strengthening Abia's position as an investment destination and creating more opportunities for local enterprises.