The Abia State Government has encouraged local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders and other business operators to take advantage of two major international trade and investment events scheduled to take place in the state later this year.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, disclosed that the state had concluded plans to host the US-Africa Trade, AFRICANDO 2026 and Investment Conference/Expo, as well as the Aba International Trade Fair and Exhibition.

According to Ajagba, the events will be held in Umuahia and Aba between November and December 2026 and are expected to create opportunities for businesses in the state to connect with participants from different parts of the world.

He said the programmes were designed to enable entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, professionals, innovators, service providers and emerging businesses to showcase their products and services, establish partnerships, access wider markets and connect with potential investors and business partners.

“They are designed to provide platforms for our entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, professionals, innovators, service providers and emerging businesses to showcase their products and services, establish strategic partnerships, access wider markets and engage potential investors and business partners from within and outside Nigeria,” Ajagba said.

The Chief of Staff disclosed that more than 500 international participants, investors and business leaders from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and other African countries had already registered for the events.

He said the level of interest was also reflected in increased demand for accommodation in major hotels across Umuahia and Aba during the period.

Ajagba called on Christian leaders to ensure that members of their churches and Christian communities, particularly business owners, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, professionals, youths and women in enterprise, were adequately informed and encouraged to participate.

He also appealed to leaders of the Muslim community to mobilise their members and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the events.

Ajagba noted the historical contributions of Muslims to commerce, enterprise, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and the distribution of goods and services across Nigeria and beyond.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters have historically played important roles in commerce, enterprise, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and the distribution of goods and services across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

He described the participation of the Muslim community as important and desirable, urging Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of Muslim organisations and associations, business leaders, professionals and other community leaders to publicise the events widely.

Ajagba specifically encouraged Muslim entrepreneurs, traders, manufacturers, professionals, farmers, transporters, artisans, women and young people in business to participate and maximise the opportunities offered by the two events.