The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will lead discussions at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum, scheduled for July 29–30, 2026, in Abuja.
Both leaders will feature in a high-level fireside dialogue focused on strategies for African economies to navigate global uncertainties, sustain reforms, deepen regional integration, and unlock long-term growth opportunities.
The forum, hosted by the CBN in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), will convene senior policymakers, central bankers, ministers, economists, development partners, and private-sector leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” the event will take place at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja. Organisers noted that discussions will emphasise practical policy responses to an increasingly fragmented global economic landscape.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, highlighting the importance of coordinated fiscal, monetary, and innovation policies in driving Africa’s transformation.
Other notable participants include Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group; Harinder Kohli, Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum; and Professor Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University.
Over the two-day event, participants will explore issues shaping the future of emerging economies, including macroeconomic stability, regional integration, cross-border payments, fintech, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and artificial intelligence. Deliberations will also address food price volatility, inflation management, and the effectiveness of monetary policy in fragile and post-crisis economies.
According to the organisers, the forum aims to foster open dialogue on strategic challenges facing emerging markets while identifying adaptable policy solutions. They emphasised that the initiative reflects the commitment of the CBN and its partners to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and advancing innovative approaches for sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa.
