Africa Grow: Why the 2026 Africa Business Convention is the Most Critical Edition Yet

By: Chidozie Nwali

For years, the narrative surrounding Africa has narrowed between “Africa Rising” and “Africa Resilient.” But as we enter 2026, the conversation has shifted.

The Africa Business Convention (ABC) is set to convene its fifth annual session on February 3–4, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel. Under the timely theme “Africa Grow,” the convention serves as a high-level strategic platform for policymakers, global institutional investors, and corporate leaders to align on the continent’s economic trajectory.

The 2026 edition arrives at a critical juncture. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a continent-wide GDP expansion of 3.7–3.8% for the year — a figure that masks a complex reality of high-performance markets and structural bottlenecks.

The convention aims to bridge this gap, moving beyond broad macroeconomic projections to facilitate the specific deal-flow and policy reforms required to sustain this momentum.

#ABC2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. While growth is returning, it remains uneven. From the oil-backed expansions in North Africa to the rapid 6% surges in Ethiopia and Rwanda, the continent is struggling with its own potential.

Earlier this week, #ABC2026 announced Tolulope Longe, from the energy sector, as one of their speakers. She is the manager, Commercial Contracts Management at Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).

“At ABC 2026, our goal is to put these disparities on the table and ask the critical questions: how can we accelerate growth, build the right foundations, and pursue the reforms needed for it to be both sustainable and inclusive? We want to move beyond rhetoric and drive real conversations that inspire practical solutions,” says Ogho Okiti, Founder and Convener of the ABC

Since its inception in 2021, the ABC has hosted over 8,700 delegates and 140 distinguished speakers, including heads of multilateral organizations such as Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah and industry titans from organizations like IHS Towers and Platform Capital.

The two-day summit will feature:

• CEO Plenary Panels: Addressing the “Triple Threat” of climate, conflict, and cash constraints, leading  to over 100 million people facing severe hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Specialized Masterclasses: Focused on Capital Raising, Export Strategy, and Tax Optimization for cross-border operations.
•  The Investment Expo: A dedicated space for B2B and G2B deal brokerage and innovation pitching.

“Expected outcomes from the convention include enhanced business-to-business and government-to-business collaboration, increased investment flows, growth of African enterprises, acceleration of intra-African trade, and stronger policy alignment,” Ogho Okiti highlighted.

With less than a month to go, the energy in Lagos is visible and solid. As registration enters its final phase, the message from the organizers is clear: Africa is no longer waiting for a seat at the global table. It is building its own.

For the entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors heading to Lagos this February, #ABC2026 isn’t just a date on the calendar. It is the roadmap for how the continent will spend the rest of the decade.

Executive Summary:

•  Event: Africa Business Convention (ABC) 2026
•  Dates: February 3–4, 2026
•  Venue: Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos (Hybrid Access Available)
•  Registration & Enquiries: africabusinessconvention.com