the Afretrade Entrepreneur’s Festival 2026 is positioning itself as a platform to bridge the gap between Diaspora-driven investment and entrepreneurship by connecting entrepreneurs, policymakers and global investors.
Former President of Nigeria, 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 upcoming festival, scheduled to hold in Lagos.
The three-day Pan-African event will take place from June 17 to 19, 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, and is expected to attract entrepreneurs, Diaspora investors, development partners, and government officials focused on trade, investment, and job creation across Africa.
The announcement was made during a media parley, where organisers unveiled plans for the maiden edition of the festival.
Speaking at the parley, Afretrade Chief Operating Officer and Festival Director, Charly Lemassi, said the initiative comes at a critical time for Africa’s economic future.
“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, also stressed the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and job creation.
“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 announced plans to launch the Africa Economic Renaissance Movement and the Lagos–California Sister State Economic Corridor, both designed to strengthen Diaspora-driven investment and cross-border economic 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”.