By Desire Uzochukwu
Over 500 international investors, business leaders and other participants from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa are expected to converge on Abia State in November for two major trade and investment events.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, disclosed this while urging Christian and Muslim leaders across the state to mobilise entrepreneurs and business communities to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the events.
The events are the AFRICANDO 2026 U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference/Expo, scheduled for November 17 to 19 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, and the 3rd Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions, holding from November 27 to December 6 in Aba.
Ajagba said the expected international participation offered Abia businesses an opportunity to showcase locally produced goods and services, establish partnerships with foreign investors, access new markets and attract investment into the state.
He appealed to Imams, Islamic scholars, General Overseers, bishops, pastors and leaders of faith-based organisations to publicise the events and mobilise their members, particularly entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, farmers, professionals, artisans, women and young people in business.
“Our desire is that every segment of our society — irrespective of faith, ethnicity or background — should participate in and benefit from the economic opportunities emerging from the transformation of our state,” he said.
The Chief of Staff urged business owners to register for the events, secure exhibition spaces, advertise their products and take part in business-to-business meetings and investment sessions.
He said the convergence of international investors and business leaders presented an opportunity for Abia entrepreneurs to move beyond local markets and establish commercial relationships with potential partners from different parts of the world.
Ajagba said religious leaders had an important role to play in ensuring that the opportunities reached businesses and entrepreneurs within their communities.
“Let us mobilise our business community. Let us showcase our products and services. Let us connect our entrepreneurs with investors and markets,” he said.
He said participation should not be limited by religion, ethnicity or social background, stressing that the economic opportunities arising from the events were open to all residents and businesses in Abia.
According to him, the anticipated influx of international participants had already generated increased demand for accommodation in major hotels in Umuahia and Aba during the period of the events.
The Chief of Staff urged businesses to prepare adequately ahead of the conferences and exhibitions, stressing the need for entrepreneurs to position their products and services to attract potential investors, customers and business partners.
The AFRICANDO 2026 U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference/Expo will hold from November 17 to 19 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, while the 3rd Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibitions is scheduled for November 27 to December 6 in Aba.
Ajagba said the state government was interested in ensuring that the expected international business presence translated into opportunities for local entrepreneurs and the wider Abia economy.
