Africa’s top economic policymakers, business leaders and development experts will gather in Abuja this week as the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum begins, with discussions expected to focus on helping the continent navigate growing global economic challenges.
The two-day event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2026, will take place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters. It is being organised by the CBN in partnership with the Emerging Markets Forum and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA).
One of the biggest highlights of the conference will be a special fireside conversation between CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The discussion is expected to explore practical ways African economies can remain strong despite increasing global economic uncertainty.
The forum is themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” reflecting the growing concern over global trade tensions, inflation, economic fragmentation and other challenges affecting emerging economies.
According to the CBN, the event will bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, government officials, economists, business executives, development partners and academics from across Africa and other parts of the world.
Discussions will focus on policies that can help African countries protect their economies from external shocks while maintaining growth and improving long-term economic stability.
The dialogue between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala is expected to examine how African nations can continue implementing economic reforms, strengthen regional trade, attract more investments and create sustainable growth opportunities despite global uncertainties.
Organisers believe stronger cooperation among African countries will be critical in building more resilient economies capable of withstanding future global disruptions.
The conference will also feature keynote speeches from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Udeh. Their presentations are expected to highlight the importance of aligning fiscal policy, monetary policy and technological innovation to drive economic transformation across the continent.
Several respected global experts are also expected to participate, including the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill, the Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum, Harinder Kohli, and the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed.
Throughout the forum, participants will discuss a wide range of economic issues affecting emerging markets. Topics include macroeconomic stability, regional economic integration, cross-border payment systems, financial technology, infrastructure financing, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and the growing role of artificial intelligence in economic development.
Other important discussions will cover food price volatility, inflation management and how central banks can improve the effectiveness of monetary policies, particularly in fragile and post-crisis economies.
According to the organisers, the forum is designed to encourage open conversations between governments, financial institutions and development partners while producing practical policy recommendations that reflect the realities facing African economies.
The CBN said the event also demonstrates its commitment, alongside its partners, to promoting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening regional cooperation and supporting innovative solutions that will help Africa achieve sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic growth in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
