African leaders, senior policymakers, private sector executives, development finance institutions, investors, and international partners will participate for two days in the event, which is being held under the theme “Financing Africa’s Future: Jobs and Innovation for Sustainable Transformation.”

Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and other stakeholders, the African Business Forum (ABF) 2026 is establishing itself as a leading continental platform for mobilizing blended finance.

It also aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems and create large-scale employment opportunities, especially for Africa’s growing youth population.

The discussions are focused on expressing political commitments into concrete, bankable projects that can generate sustainable jobs and inclusive economic growth.

The agenda includes presidential dialogues with African leaders and prominent business executives, as well as thematic roundtables focused on financing the innovation economy in Africa and boosting Afrofuturism as a driver of creative and digital industries.

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