Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on American and other international investors to explore business opportunities in the state, as his administration intensifies efforts to connect local entrepreneurs with global markets.
Otti said the forthcoming African Diaspora Conference and Expo, AFRICANDO 2026, would provide a platform for businesses in Abia to attract investment, establish international partnerships and expand their commercial reach.
The conference is scheduled to hold in Umuahia from November 17 to 19, 2026, under the theme, “Deepening US–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”
The governor explained that the initiative was designed to bring African and American businesses, investors, policymakers and development institutions together to explore opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
According to the state government, the event will focus on sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, energy, healthcare, financial services, logistics, science and technology.
A major feature will be a Deal Room and Investment Marketplace where investment-ready projects will be presented to prospective investors, creating opportunities for business negotiations, partnerships and commercial agreements.
The government also plans to take international delegates to manufacturing clusters, businesses and strategic economic locations to enable them to assess Abia’s investment potential firsthand.
Otti’s administration believes the state’s strong entrepreneurial base, particularly in Aba, offers significant opportunities for investors seeking to participate in manufacturing, consumer goods and export-oriented businesses.
The governor has also encouraged local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises to prepare to take advantage of the international exposure by improving production capacity, product quality, packaging and access to export markets.
The investment drive will be followed by the 2026 Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibition, scheduled for November 27 to December 6 at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
The state government hopes the two events will generate employment, stimulate commercial activity and help transform the traditional “Made in Aba” identity into a broader ambition of taking products made in Abia to international markets.
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