Abia State is positioning itself to tap into the opportunities offered by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as it prepares to host the maiden African Diaspora Conference and Expo (Africando) from 17 to 19 November in Umuahia, the state capital.
The three‑day event will bring together African and American business leaders, educators, policymakers, trade and investment experts, bankers and representatives of international organisations. Organisers say the aim is to improve trade and expand markets for African products globally, with a particular focus on the manufacturing base in Aba.
“Aba is a place where anything can be manufactured,” said Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti. “Africando is designed to provide small and medium‑scale businesses with the resources they need to grow.” Ajagba added that beyond funding for equipment, the Otti administration has introduced policies to create an international market for the state’s products.
“Plans are underway to establish a trade centre and a civil society network to give local enterprises easier access to international markets, investment opportunities and business partnerships,” said Fred Oladeinde, President of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa. He said the platforms will work with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerian‑American Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs and other partners to strengthen trade links.
The expo’s theme, “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Area of AfCFTA and AGOA,” will examine how existing trade frameworks can be translated into tangible commercial gains for African businesses. Discussions will cover eight sectors, including agriculture, consumer goods, financial services, insurance and healthcare.
Oladeinde noted that the initiative would also support advocacy for a long‑term extension of AGOA, following its reported two‑year extension to December 2028. With its industrial transformation and focus on entrepreneurship, Abia aims to use Africando as a springboard for greater participation in global trade and investment.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
