Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala to Lead Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum with a high-level fireside dialogue focused on strengthening Africa’s economic resilience amid growing global uncertainties.

The two-day forum, scheduled for July 29–30, 2026, at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja, is being hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria in partnership with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA).

With the theme, “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” the forum will bring together senior policymakers, central bankers, government ministers, development partners, private sector executives and leading economists from Africa and around the world to examine practical policy responses to emerging global economic challenges.

A key highlight of the event will be the Cardoso-Okonjo-Iweala fireside discussion, which will explore strategies for African economies to build resilience, maintain reform momentum, strengthen regional integration and unlock sustainable long-term growth in an increasingly fragmented global economy.

The forum will also feature keynote presentations 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. Their addresses are expected to highlight the importance of coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies in advancing Africa’s economic transformation and strengthening its ability to withstand future shocks.

Other distinguished participants expected at the forum include the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill; Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum, Harinder Kohli; Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed; as well as senior policymakers, academics, development experts and business leaders from Africa and beyond.

Throughout the two-day event, participants will discuss critical issues shaping the future of emerging markets, including macroeconomic stability, regional economic integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, food price volatility, inflation and monetary policy transmission in fragile and post-crisis economies.

According to the organisers, the forum aims to encourage constructive dialogue on strategic challenges affecting emerging markets and developing economies while identifying practical policy solutions that can be tailored to the unique circumstances of individual countries.

The organisers added that the forum reflects the commitment of the Central Bank of Nigeria and its partners to promoting regional cooperation, advancing evidence-based policymaking and supporting innovative solutions that will strengthen Africa’s resilience while fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.