By Nana Achia Aboagye
SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA — One of Africa’s most influential economic gatherings, the Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo & Business Summit, has brought together a powerful coalition of visionaries, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders under the guiding theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Trade, Investment and Industrial Growth.”
The high-level summit, convened by the Africa Economic Leadership Council, has become a strategic platform aimed at accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through trade expansion, industrialisation and cross-border investment partnerships.
A platform for Africa’s transformation
The summit attracted government representatives, business executives, innovators, SMEs, start-ups, development partners and international investors exploring Africa’s fast-growing markets and emerging industrial opportunities.
Speaking at the summit, Co-Founder of the Africa Economic Leadership Council and Director of Invest in Africa 2026, Heinrich Hafeni Said, emphasised the summit’s continental significance.
“Invest in Africa 2026 will serve as a premier platform for networking, collaboration and economic empowerment, while promoting intra-African trade and strengthening partnerships that support the continent’s development agenda under AfCFTA,” he stated.
Co-Founder Percy Maropedi-Koji added that Africa stands at a defining moment in its development journey.
“As Africa continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, commerce and investment, we remain committed to initiatives that inspire growth, create opportunities and transform lives across the continent,” he said.
AfCFTA as the engine of continental integration
A major focus of the summit has been the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in reshaping Africa’s economic future by promoting intra-African trade, industrial integration and value-chain development.
Speakers emphasised that Africa must transition from trade potential to full industrial performance by addressing regulatory barriers, strengthening cross-border investment agreements and enhancing regional production systems.
Key sectors highlighted included energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and digital innovation.
Swakopmund positioned as a growth hub
Mayor of Swakopmund, Her Worship Suama Kautondokwa, officially welcomed delegates, describing the summit as a milestone for African cooperation and investment.
“The selection of Swakopmund as the host city reflects the growing confidence in Africa’s economic potential and the importance of platforms that unite governments, investors and business leaders under a shared vision,” she said.
She further highlighted Swakopmund’s growing role as a strategic economic and tourism hub, noting its infrastructure, coastal access and proximity to key industries such as mining, fisheries and energy.
“We encourage all participants to use this platform for networking, dialogue and partnerships that will unlock new opportunities across borders,” she added.
Zimbabwe calls for stronger regional integration
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, underscored the urgency of deepening regional integration under AfCFTA.
“Africa is transitioning from trade potential to active industrial performance, and we must now focus on building strong regional value chains,” she said.
She highlighted AfCFTA’s vast economic scale, serving more than 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion, calling it a “game-changing opportunity” for African businesses.
However, she cautioned that challenges such as non-tariff barriers, customs inefficiencies and limited access to trade information must be urgently addressed.
AfCFTA Secretary-General urges action
Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, called for accelerated implementation of the agreement amid rising global economic uncertainty.
“Africa must respond not with retreat, but with deeper integration anchored on stronger trade and investment ties,” he said.
He noted that intra-African trade reached US$220 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing, driven by reforms and improved trade facilitation.
He further emphasised that platforms such as this summit are essential for connecting SMEs, women-led enterprises and investors to continental opportunities.
Namibia reaffirms AfCFTA commitment
Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, reinforced the importance of AfCFTA as a pathway to economic sovereignty.
“The time for talking about Africa’s prospects is over. Africa is now implementing one of the largest economic integration projects in modern history,” she declared.
She stressed that intra-African trade remains low at about 16 per cent despite Africa’s vast resources and population advantages.
The Minister also highlighted Namibia’s progress, including its first exports under AfCFTA and its positioning as a regional logistics hub leveraging the Port of Walvis Bay and key economic sectors such as green energy, fisheries, tourism and mining beneficiation.
100 exhibitors featured as Africa Day Gala and Awards Ceremony marks grand finale of Invest in Africa 2026
The Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo & Business Summit featured 100 exhibitors, showcasing a dynamic cross-section of Africa’s growing trade, investment and industrial landscape.
The exhibition floor brought together businesses, start-ups, investors and industry stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, presenting innovations and opportunities across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and digital transformation.
The strong participation underscored the summit’s role as a premier continental platform for networking, deal-making and showcasing Africa’s expanding economic potential under the AfCFTA framework.
The summit officially climaxed with the prestigious Africa Day Gala and Awards Ceremony on May 30, 2026, an event dedicated to celebrating excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and contributions to Africa’s development agenda.
The gala brought together high-level dignitaries, policymakers, investors and business leaders in a formal setting aimed at recognising outstanding achievers while strengthening partnerships that advance Africa’s economic transformation.
With a powerful mix of exhibitions, dialogue sessions and recognition awards, the summit continues to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading platforms for trade promotion, investment facilitation and continental collaboration.
The Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo & Business Summit has reaffirmed Africa’s shared commitment to economic integration, industrialisation and sustainable development under AfCFTA. Across all discussions, a clear message emerged: Africa’s future prosperity will depend on stronger collaboration, reduced trade barriers and bold investment in regional value chains.
As delegates continue to engage in high-level dialogue and strategic partnerships in Swakopmund, the summit stands as a powerful reminder that Africa is not only open for business but is actively shaping its own economic destiny.
