Lagos is set to host a major gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and business leaders from across Africa and the diaspora as the Afretrade Entrepreneur’s Festival (TAEF) 2026 takes place from June 17 to 19 at Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island.
Organised by Afretrade Inc., a California-based pan-African trade and investment platform, the three-day event, themed “Africa’s Economic Renaissance,” will bring together delegates from more than 40 countries to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, trade, technology, investment and job creation.
The festival comes at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to deepen regional integration and attract diaspora investment through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade and economic development across the continent.
A key feature of the event will be the launch of two major initiatives — the Africa Economic Renaissance Movement and the Lagos–California Sister State Economic Corridor — both designed to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and its global diaspora communities.
One of the major highlights of the opening plenary session will be the participation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is expected to deliver the grand opening keynote address. Obasanjo, widely recognised for his advocacy of African economic integration and development, is expected to contribute to discussions on economic transformation, diaspora engagement and the continent’s growth agenda.
Also scheduled to deliver a keynote address is Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and a first-generation Nigerian-American. Omishakin will lead the California delegation to the festival and is expected to speak on strengthening economic ties between Lagos and California, infrastructure development, investment opportunities and the role of the African diaspora in fostering international partnerships.
The festival is being led by Dr. Charly Lemassi, Chief Operating Officer of Afretrade and Festival Director. He described TAEF 2026 as a platform that brings together investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and policymakers around a shared vision for Africa’s economic growth and prosperity.
Participants are expected from across the United States, Canada, Europe, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean, reflecting the growing interest in building stronger economic and trade connections between Africa and the global diaspora.
The programme will feature investor and entrepreneur meetings, SME pitch sessions, workshops, masterclasses, discussions on trade and technology, a youth talent competition, a fashion showcase and extensive networking opportunities aimed at fostering business partnerships and investment deals.
With more than 3,000 delegates expected to attend, organisers say the festival is positioned to become one of the largest gatherings dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation and diaspora investment in Africa, while providing a platform for stakeholders to explore practical pathways for accelerating economic growth across the continent.
