Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala to Shape Africa’s Economic Future at Abuja Forum

Experts say high-level dialogue could shape new policy direction on inflation, trade, investment, digital finance and regional economic integration.

By The Ameh News
Nigeria is set to host one of Africa’s most influential economic policy gatherings as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, lead a landmark fireside dialogue at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF) in Abuja on July 29–30, 2026.
Hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), this year’s forum comes at a defining moment for African economies facing persistent inflation, slowing global growth, debt vulnerabilities, exchange-rate pressures, climate-related shocks and growing geopolitical uncertainties.
With the theme “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” the conference will assemble central bank governors, finance ministers, policymakers, development finance institutions, academics, economists, investors and business leaders from across Africa and the global emerging-market community to identify practical solutions for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The centrepiece of the event will be the much-anticipated strategic conversation between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala, two globally respected economic leaders whose experience in monetary policy, international trade, financial reforms and global economic governance is expected to provide valuable insights into Africa’s next phase of economic transformation.
Observers believe the dialogue will explore how African nations can preserve macroeconomic stability while accelerating industrialisation, expanding intra-African trade, improving productivity, attracting long-term investment and strengthening regional value chains in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
The forum will also feature keynote addresses by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, reflecting the growing importance of aligning fiscal, monetary, innovation and technology policies to support sustainable development across Africa.
Other distinguished participants include Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group; Harinder Kohli, Founder and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum; and Professor Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, alongside senior policymakers, development partners and private-sector leaders from around the world.
Discussions over the two-day summit will cover macroeconomic stability, regional integration, digital payments, financial technology (FinTech), infrastructure financing, foreign direct investment, artificial intelligence, technology transfer, food security, inflation management and monetary policy transmission in fragile and post-crisis economies.
Experts Highlight Strategic Importance
Economic experts say the forum arrives at a time when Africa requires stronger policy coordination to withstand external shocks and unlock its enormous economic potential.
Development economist Prof. Ken Ife noted that Africa’s long-term prosperity depends on strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, accelerating industrialisation and creating a business environment capable of attracting both domestic and international investment.
Former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Muda Yusuf, observed that maintaining macroeconomic stability, reducing inflation, improving foreign exchange liquidity and enhancing investor confidence remain fundamental to sustaining economic growth across emerging markets.
Financial analyst Bismarck Rewane said deeper regional trade integration, supported by efficient payment systems and policy consistency, would significantly enhance Africa’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Analysts also believe that the participation of the WTO Director-General signals growing international confidence in Africa’s ability to become a stronger contributor to global trade, particularly if governments continue implementing reforms that improve productivity, competitiveness and the ease of doing business.
Why the Emerging Markets Forum Matters
The Emerging Markets Forum has evolved into one of the world’s foremost independent platforms for dialogue on development policy and economic reform. It brings together current and former heads of state, central bank governors, finance ministers, leading economists, business executives and development partners to exchange ideas on addressing the complex challenges confronting emerging and developing economies.
For Nigeria, hosting the forum reinforces its strategic position as one of Africa’s largest economies and demonstrates the CBN’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking, regional cooperation and financial stability.
The meeting is also expected to strengthen collaboration between governments, multilateral institutions, development finance organisations and the private sector in mobilising capital for infrastructure, expanding digital financial inclusion, accelerating innovation and supporting sustainable economic development.
A Defining Moment for Africa
According to the organisers, the forum aims to foster open dialogue on issues of strategic importance while identifying practical policy solutions tailored to the realities of emerging and developing economies.
As global economic conditions continue to evolve, expectations are high that the Abuja forum will produce actionable recommendations capable of helping African countries build more resilient economies, deepen regional integration, expand trade and investment, create quality jobs and deliver inclusive prosperity for future generations.
With the combined expertise of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the World Trade Organization, the Emerging Markets Forum and leading development institutions, the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum is widely expected to shape important conversations on Africa’s economic future and reinforce the continent’s role in the global economy.
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