Abia State to Host 27th Africando Trade Conference

Abia State has been selected to host the 27th Africando Trade Conference, a major event that will bring investors from the United States to engage with Nigerian and other African businesses. The conference, organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, will take place from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia. This is the first time the United States-Africa Trade and Investment Conference will be hosted on African soil.

The conference aims to provide local businesses with opportunities to explore the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers eligible African businesses access to the American market. State ministries, agencies, and local government areas will also showcase their investment opportunities, while Governor Alex Otti is expected to formally declare the conference open. The event is expected to benefit the hospitality and service sectors, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and other businesses expected to benefit from increased patronage.

Abia's selection as host reflects growing confidence in the state's infrastructure development, improving business environment, and economic reforms under the Otti administration. The state government says hosting the conference is a major step towards attracting international investment and expanding the state's participation in global trade. The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this while highlighting the state government's ongoing economic initiatives, infrastructure development, and public service reforms.

In a related development, preparations are underway for the third Aba International Trade Fair, scheduled for November 27 to December 6, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. The fair, organised in collaboration with the state Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, will showcase Aba's major economic sectors, including footwear and leather works, fashion and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology, and renewable energy.

The Abia State Civil Service Commission will organise a capacity-building programme for permanent secretaries, directors, and deputy directors from November 16 to 28. The programme will focus on change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership, and strategic management. This intervention is designed to strengthen institutional performance, improve administrative competence, and enhance public service delivery across the state.

The government is also implementing 59 direct-labour road maintenance projects across Abia, with two additional projects recently completed and 11 new projects introduced into the Ministry of Works' maintenance programme. The completed projects include erosion control works and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over identified open manholes and drains across Aba and Umuahia. The number of manholes covered by the Ministry of Works has risen to 120, as part of efforts to improve public safety.

The various initiatives reflect the Otti administration's broader development agenda, aimed at positioning Abia as a destination for investment, enterprise, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The government remains committed to attracting international investors, supporting local manufacturers, strengthening public institutions, and expanding infrastructure development across the state.

Key points

• The conference will provide local businesses with opportunities to explore the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).