Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, have been confirmed as key speakers for the Afretrade Entrepreneur’s Festival 2026, scheduled to hold in Lagos.
The Punch reported that the organisers say the three-day Pan-African gathering is designed to close the gap between diaspora-led investment and entrepreneurship by linking business founders, policymakers, and global investors.
The event is expected to draw participants from across Africa and the diaspora, including development partners and government officials focused on trade, investment, and job creation.
The maiden edition will run from June 17 to 19, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders for high-level discussions and networking on Africa’s economic future.
The announcement was made at a media parley where organisers outlined plans for the festival’s first edition.
Speaking at the event, Afretrade Chief Operating Officer and Festival Director, Afretrade, Charly Lemassi, said the initiative responds to urgent economic realities across the continent.
“Africa is often described as the next frontier, but I believe Africa is the frontier of today. With the current economic realities, many people are struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, affecting them financially, emotionally, and even mentally. This is why solutions must come directly to the people. Those of us in the Diaspora have not forgotten home; we are looking for ways to support, not to replace governments, but to complement efforts in addressing these challenges.”
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afretrade, Lekan Salaam, emphasized entrepreneurship as the backbone of job creation and economic growth.
“It is the entrepreneur that creates jobs. That’s why we came to Lagos, one of the thriving states in Africa. We want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. That’s why we are starting in Lagos.”
Organisers also revealed plans to launch the Africa Economic Renaissance Movement, alongside the Lagos–California Sister State Economic Corridor, aimed at deepening diaspora investment flows and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Other confirmed speakers include Secretary of Transportation for the State of California, Toks Omishakin, and Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu.
The festival is themed: “Mobilising the Global Diaspora to be the Catalyst of Africa’s Economic Renaissance through Entrepreneurship and Job Creation”.
