The Chairman, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Dr Okey Agbara, says the forthcoming U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference and Expo, AFRICANDO 2026, will provide Abia State with a strategic platform to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen international trade relations, promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities, particularly for youths.
Dr Agbara who stated this during a press conference organized by the planning committee of the programme in collaboration with members of the Abia State Diaspora Commission at Government House, Umuahia, commended Governor Alex Otti for approving Abia State as host of the international event, describing the decision as a recognition of the Governor’s outstanding developmental strides, commitment to economic transformation and efforts to reposition the state as an attractive destination for local and international investors.
He also noted that the conference will connect Abia businesses with American investors, development partners and global markets, while providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, business partnerships and investment mobilization.
Contributing, the President of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, Mr Fred Oladeinde, explained that the organization’s vision is to leverage economic freedom to strengthen political democracy through the promotion of small and medium-scale enterprises, as well as the active participation of civil society and the private sector in economic development.
Mr Oladeinde disclosed that the Foundation is working with the Abia State Diaspora Commission and Abia Global Chamber of Commerce to establish an Africa Trade Development Centre in the state, which will serve as a platform for promoting trade, investment and sustainable economic partnerships across Africa.
According to him, one of the major objectives is to redirect at least 20 percent of diaspora remittances, which largely support household consumption, towards productive investments capable of generating wealth and employment, adding that the programme will feature diaspora-based business coaches, legislators and delegates from other African countries, while also promoting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and leveraging the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to develop supply chains and create jobs.
He commended the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Planning Committee, noting that his commitment has significantly contributed to the successful preparations for the event.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, Mr James Ogbuka Umekwe, described AFRICANDO 2026 as a significant opportunity for Abia to deepen its participation in international commerce and attract strategic investments that will stimulate the growth of indigenous businesses.
Mr Umekwe while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and the diaspora in building a sustainable economic environment, noted that the programme will expose local entrepreneurs and manufacturers to international business opportunities, technical expertise, investment networks and global markets.
He further urged business owners, investors, manufacturers, organized private sector groups and other stakeholders to take advantage of the conference to establish meaningful partnerships, expand their businesses and explore opportunities for trade and investment, maintaining that Abia’s selection as host reflected the growing confidence in the state’s economic direction under Governor Otti and the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for enterprise development.
In their separate speeches, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Annie Onwuchekwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barr. Mrs Cleopatra Dannie-Ubani, while highlighting the far-reaching benefits of the conference to the state, described it as an opportunity to strengthen Abia’s international profile, attract investments, empower entrepreneurs and accelerate economic growth.
They noted that the state’s improving business environment, ongoing infrastructural development, institutional reforms and commitment to accountability under Governor Otti has positioned Abia favourably to host an international investment gathering of such magnitude.
They further called on residents, business organizations, professional associations, youths, women entrepreneurs, community groups and the organized private sector to actively participate in the programme rather than regard it as an event exclusively for government officials and foreign delegates.
According to them, the success of AFRICANDO will depend on the collective participation of stakeholders while urging Abians to utilize the platform to showcase the state’s economic potential, build valuable connections and translate the opportunities presented into tangible investments, businesses and employment.
