Obasanjo, Dabiri-Erewa, RMD to headline entrepreneurship festival

The upcoming Afretrade Entrepreneur’s Festival 2026 is set to serve as a crucial platform for bridging the gap between Diaspora investment and entrepreneurship across Africa. Scheduled to take place in Lagos from June 17 to 19, 2026, the three-day Pan-African event will convene entrepreneurs, policymakers, global investors, and development partners.

Key speakers confirmed for the festival include former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo. The festival, to be held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, focuses on trade, investment, and job creation throughout the continent.

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Africa is often described as the next frontier, but I believe Africa is the frontier of today. With the current economic realities, many people are struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, affecting them financially, emotionally, and even mentally. This is why solutions must come directly to the people. Those of us in the Diaspora have not forgotten home; we are looking for ways to support, not to replace governments, but to complement efforts in addressing these challenges.

Organizers announced the plans during a media parley, emphasizing the festival's relevance amid current economic challenges. Charly Lemassi, Afretrade Chief Operating Officer and Festival Director, stated, "Africa is often described as the next frontier, but I believe Africa is the frontier of today." He highlighted the need for solutions to address inflation and the rising cost of living, noting the Diaspora's role in complementing government efforts.

Lekan Salaam, Founder and CEO of Afretrade, stressed the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and job creation. "It is the entrepreneur that creates jobs. That’s why we came to Lagos, one of the thriving states in Africa. We want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit," Salaam said. The festival will also launch the Africa Economic Renaissance Movement and the Lagos–California Sister State Economic Corridor to strengthen cross-border economic collaboration. Other notable speakers include Toks Omishakin, Secretary of Transportation for California, and Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs. The theme is "Mobilising the Global Diaspora to be the Catalyst of Africa’s Economic Renaissance through Entrepreneurship and Job Creation."

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It is the entrepreneur that creates jobs. That’s why we came to Lagos, one of the thriving states in Africa. We want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. That’s why we are starting in Lagos.