ABUJA, NIGERIA | MARCH 26th – 28th 2026
DON’T MISS OUT ON ACFTA FEST
About Us
ACFTA Fest is an African Festival designed to unite the continent through trade, talent, and culture. Rotating each year between African nations, it is the platform where African startups, creatives, athletes, and leaders come together to celebrate Africa, build connections, and create the economic future we all deserve.
ACFTA Fest is Africa’s first true cross-sector Pan-African Festival, blending business, innovation, culture, and sports into one unforgettable experience.
Linked to AfCFTA implementation | Aligned with Agenda 2063 and SDGs | Focused on youth empowerment, trade visibility, and pan-African unity
- Platforms for African startups: Live pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor matchmaking, and masterclasses that power the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- African Heritage & Culture: Concerts, fashion shows, storytelling nights, and art pavilions celebrating Africa’s identity.
- Sports Diplomacy: Football legends, youth clinics, policy talks, and the iconic Tinubu Cup.
- Trade & Connection: Networking lounges, regional showcases, and deal-making opportunities at the ultimate African trade festival.
Our Rotational Model
ACFTA Fest has a rotational model, and every year it travels to a new African country. Each host leaves behind infrastructure, networks, and youth-driven impact.
Festival Host Details
Year: 2026
Host Nation: Nigeria (Maiden Edition)
Theme: Unity Through Innovation
Want to Host a Future Edition?
ACFTA FEST 2026 – OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Organising Committee of ACFTA FEST 2026 hereby informs all partners, delegates, institutions, speakers, exhibitors, and participants that, following careful consideration of recent developments affecting our original schedule and venue, we have made the strategic decision to re-adapt the festival to a new venue while maintaining the original dates of 26–28 March 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.
This decision comes in response to an exceptional convergence of national events, including the APC National Convention and the National Paralympic Games, which will significantly impact logistics, institutional availability, security coordination, and overall mobility within the initially designated venue and its surroundings.
In alignment with our commitment to delivering a seamless, high-quality, and inclusive experience for all stakeholders, the Organising Committee carefully evaluated two options, adjusting the event dates or adapting to a new venue. Guided by our desire to honour the commitments already made by our delegates, partners, and participants, we have chosen to retain the original dates and reconfigure the festival across carefully selected venues within Abuja.
This approach ensures that ACFTA FEST 2026 continues to deliver on its core mission without disruption, preserving the momentum, energy, and expectations already built around the event.
The updated venue structure is as follows:
- Day 1 – Opening & Strategic Dialogue NICON Luxury, Abuja Theme: Unity Through Innovation
- Day 2 – Youth Innovation, Enterprise & Cultural Leadership Agriculture Auditorium, University of Abuja Theme: Youth Innovation, Enterprise & Cultural Leadership under AfCFTA
- Day 3 – Sports, Talent & Legacy Theme: Celebrating African Talent, Sports & Legacy, FIFA Goal Project, Package B
Further logistical details, including venue-specific guidance, access protocols, and programme updates, will be shared in the coming days to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.
We sincerely appreciate the understanding, flexibility, and continued support of our partners and delegates as we adapt to these circumstances. Your trust enables us to uphold the integrity and vision of ACFTA FEST 2026.
We remain fully committed to delivering a world-class experience that reflects the ambition of Africa’s future under the AfCFTA.
Dr Diom Ambe
Project Coordinator ACFTA Fest 2026, Email:
admin@acftafest.com,
www.acftafest.com
Mr Jude: +2347072746337 /
jude@acftafest.com
Abuja, March 19, 2026
What We Project
Unity, innovation, and inclusion drive our decisions. We prioritise excellence, building a legacy that outlives short-term impact.
Meet Our Event Speakers
A distinguished lineup of leaders, visionaries, and changemakers.
Keynote Speaker
Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy, Nigeria
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi
Director-General/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Madison Ngafeeson
Director, Business Data Analytics | Palm Beach Atlantic University & President, LEADD Missions International
Guest Speaker
Obi Asika
Director-General/CEO, National Council of Arts & Culture, Nigeria
Guest Speaker
Hon. Desmond Elliot
Member, Lagos State House of Assembly (Surulere 1)
Fireside Speaker
Frankie Powell
Leadership Strategist & Corporate Culture Coach | Chief Program Officer, LEADD Missions International
Speaker
Fonda Fred Fonda
Chief Financial Officer for Africa, UBA
Speaker
Mirabelle Ade Anyu
FCCA Finance Leader
Speaker
Dr. Ikechi Agbugba
Pioneer, Brain Re-Engineering Initiative; Assoc.Professor, Rivers State University
Speaker
Engr. Ludovic Dassi
General Coordinator, FIERA DOUALA
Speaker
Professor Adang Lucas
Professor of Avian Parasitology
Speaker
Dr. Tijjani El-badawy
Water-Energy Security Specialist
Speaker
Dr Mechie Nkengla
Founder of Data Products, Nuscienta and African Trade Bridge
Speaker
Mr. Eyong Enoh
Cameroon and Ajax Amsterdam FC Football Legend CEO, 4PBaller
Speaker
Dr. Ifeoma Betty Ezike
Assistant Director, Monetary Policy Department CBN
Speaker
Dr. Alara Eric Martial Avom
National Coordinator for PNDCF Cameroon
Speaker
Arc. Sani Ihtisham Saulawa
President, Nigerian Institute of Architects
Speaker
Dr. Aminu Haruna Isa
Ag. Director, Energy Policy, Planning and Analysis Department, ECN
Speaker
Engr Mandi Anyangwe
Founder, CrownGrid Engineering Ltd.
Speaker
Dr. Mohammed Baba Nitsa
Lecturer in the Department of Agronomy Speaker
Moderator
Engr. Promise Chukwu
Energy Policy Analyst, ECN
Judge
Dr. Miranda Adang
Judge, Student Innovation Pitch Competition. Lecturer, Dept. Of Guidance and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Federal University Lokoja
Judge
Lape Odekunle Saleh
Registered Architectect and Designer
MC
Adeline Sede Kamga
Group CEO, FabAfriq Media & Founder, Corporate Women in Leadership/Corporate Awards
MC
Patience Mbah-Njei
Barrister, Cameroon Bar Association
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and creative powerhouse, will proudly host the maiden edition of ACFTA Fest. With a booming tech ecosystem, global football legends, and a rich cultural heritage, Nigeria sets the perfect stage for the biggest African Festival.
Nigeria 2026 Program Snapshot
Investor Lounges and Regional Trade Showcases
Connect in exclusive investor lounges designed for deal-making, networking, and strategic partnerships. Explore regional trade showcases highlighting the best products, services, and innovations from across Africa’s diverse markets driving cross-border collaboration and investment.
50+ Live Pitch Sessions
Experience over 50 electrifying, high-energy pitch sessions where passionate, visionary entrepreneurs boldly unveil their game-changing ideas. These dynamic presentations happen live and in real-time, offering investors and audiences an exciting, up-close look at Africa’s most promising startups competing fiercely, dreaming big, and innovating fearlessly.
Masterclasses on Leadership, Digital Trade, Funding, and Market Expansion
Gain expert insights through in-depth masterclasses led by industry leaders, covering key topics like digital trade, securing funding, and scaling into new markets. Designed for entrepreneurs and professionals, these sessions equip participants with practical tools and strategies to thrive in Africa’s evolving business landscape.
Nigeria-Focused Startup Roundtable with ACFTA Stakeholders
A high-level dialogue bringing together African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ACFTA stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for scaling startups within the continental free trade framework fostering alignment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
3-Night Headline Concert Series
Experience electrifying performances from top artists across Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Congo, and Kenya in a powerful celebration of African rhythm, unity, and talent three unforgettable nights of music that echo the soul of the continent.
Visual Art Installations and NFT Gallery
Immerse yourself in a vibrant fusion of tradition and technology with captivating visual art installations and a curated NFT gallery showcasing Africa’s creative brilliance, cultural stories, and digital innovation through the eyes of emerging and established artists.
Lagos Fashion Runway with 20+ Designers
Witness the bold spirit of African style as over 20 visionary designers light up the ACFTA Fest Abuja Fashion Runway blending heritage, innovation, and trendsetting flair in a stunning showcase of the continent’s fashion excellence.
Poetry Performances and Pan-African Storytelling Slams
Experience the power of words as poets and storytellers from across Africa take the stage to share voices of resilience, identity, and unity blending rhythm, language, and lived experience in unforgettable performances that celebrate the soul of the continent.
The Tinubu Cup: African Legends vs. Nigerian All-Star Legends
A historic showdown on the pitch as African football legends face off against Nigerian All-Star greats in a thrilling exhibition match celebrating sportsmanship, unity, and the enduring legacy of Africa’s football icons.
Youth Training Clinics for Professional Football Aspirants
Empowering the next generation through hands-on training clinics, where 120-plus Nigerian boys and girls will receive mentorship, skills development, and inspiration from seasoned professionals nurturing talent and building confidence on and off the field.
Legends Choice Awards
The African Legends Choice Awards is ACFTA Fest’s way of returning glory, honor, and a lasting platform to the former legends who sacrificed so much to entertain Africa and the world. Through this initiative, our football icons are given the opportunity to have a say, cast their votes, and cheer on the new generation of stars impressing the world with their talent. The awards feature two strands: Performance Awards—including categories such as Eto’o’s Boot (Top Goal Scorer), Ruffai’s Glove (Outstanding Goalkeeper), Jay-Jay’s Touch (Best Playmaker), Drogba’s Ball (Forward of the Year), and Sheatah’s Playbook (Tactical Leader)—and the Legends Recognition Awards, which pay timeless tribute to those whose influence has shaped African football’s story. Together, they unite past and present, building a bridge of pride, encouragement, and celebration across generations.
Policy Forum: “Financing African Football: From Grassroots to Continental League”
A strategic dialogue bringing together policymakers, investors, club owners, and sports stakeholders to explore sustainable financing models for African football examining pathways from grassroots development to the creation of a thriving, competitive continental league.
ACFTA Fest is more than an African Festival; it’s a movement. It transforms policy into people-driven action, building connections that drive trade, empower youth, and showcase Africa’s limitless talent.
Get Festival Tickets
If you believe in Africa’s future, you belong at ACFTA Fest, the ultimate platform for African creatives, sports men and women, seasoned entrepreneurs and startups to network collaborate and celebrate the most vibrant African trade festival on the continent.
Join us in Nigeria for ACFTA Fest 2026 to celebrate, connect, and build Africa’s future together.
Impact Metrics
Thanks to the already existing strong stakeholder engagement, and involvement in the conception, development and promotion of her maiden edition, ACFTA Fest Abuja, Nigeria 2026 edition promises to gurantee;
Impact Metrics
Thanks to the already existing strong stakeholder engagement, and involvement in the conception, development and promotion of her maiden edition, ACFTA Fest Abuja, Nigeria 2026 edition promises to gurantee;
News & Updates
ONE AFRICA, ONE MARKET, ONE FUTURE