The chief of staff to Abia State governor, Caleb Ajagba, has announced that the state is set to attract global economic attention with two major business events scheduled for later this year. The events, which are expected to draw over 500 international investors and business leaders, aim to provide opportunities for Abia businesses to showcase their products and services, engage potential investors, establish partnerships, and explore new markets. The business fora are the AFRICANDO 2026 U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference/Expo and the Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions.
The AFRICANDO 2026 U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference/Expo is slated for November 17–19 in Umuahia, the state capital, while the Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions will take place from November 27th to December 6th in Aba. International investors and business leaders are expected to come from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and other African countries. This strong international interest has led to increased demand for accommodation at major hotels in Umuahia and Aba during the period.
Ajagba has appealed to Christian and Muslim leaders across the state to mobilise their business communities for the events in Umuahia. He stressed that participation should cut across religious and ethnic lines, noting that the opportunities are open to all residents and businesses in the state. The chief of staff also urged business owners in the state to register, secure exhibition spaces, advertise their products, and participate in business-to-business meetings and investment sessions.
According to Ajagba, the events would provide a platform for Abia businesses to engage potential investors, establish partnerships, and explore new markets. He explained that the state government is committed to ensuring that every segment of society participates in and benefits from the economic opportunities emerging from the transformation of the state. To achieve this, he appealed to leaders to mobilise their members and ensure that local businesses are positioned to engage the visiting investors and business delegations.
Ajagba emphasized the importance of showcasing Abia’s products and services, as well as connecting entrepreneurs with investors and markets. He encouraged business owners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the business fora, which he believes will have a positive impact on the state’s economy. The chief of staff also expressed optimism that the events will help to promote economic growth and development in Abia State.
The business fora are expected to feature business-to-business meetings, investment sessions, and exhibitions, providing a platform for Abia businesses to interact with international investors and business leaders. Ajagba has urged business owners to prepare adequately for the events, which he believes will be a significant step towards promoting economic growth and development in the state. The state government is working to ensure that the events are successful and beneficial to the local business community.
With the two business events, Abia State is poised to become a hub for economic activity, attracting international attention and investment. The state government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents and businesses in the state. Key players in the business community are expected to participate in the events, which will provide a platform for networking and partnership-building.
Key points
- Abia State to host 500 international investors and business leaders at two business fora later this year.
- The events aim to provide opportunities for Abia businesses to showcase their products and services, engage potential investors, establish partnerships, and explore new markets.
- The business fora are expected to feature business-to-business meetings, investment sessions, and exhibitions.
