Stakeholders Rally Support for Pan-African Trade Festival
CBN, Stakeholders Endorse ACFTA Fest 2026
THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and other key stakeholders have pledged support for the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA Fest), scheduled to hold in Abuja from 26 to 28 March.
The commitments were made on Friday during the official launch of the festival in the Federal Capital Territory.
CBN Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Growth
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ifeoma Ezike, Assistant Director in the Monetary Policy Department of the CBN, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and reiterated the apex bank’s readiness to support initiatives that align with national and continental development goals.
“On behalf of the CBN, I congratulate the organisers and reaffirm our unwavering support in collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the objectives and aspirations of this festival are achieved,” Ezike said.
She noted that the ACFTA Fest presents an opportunity to maximise economic prospects that have previously been underutilised, especially in trade, innovation and creative enterprise.
Private Sector Applauds Pan-African Vision
President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Emeka Obegolu (SAN), represented by ACCI Vice-President (Legal), Aisha Abdullahi, described the festival as a vital platform for driving intra-African trade and collaboration.
According to Obegolu, ACFTA Fest aligns with ACCI’s mandate to promote private sector-led growth and regional integration.
“This festival embodies the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area by bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives and institutions to move discussions from policy to action,” he said.
He assured organisers of ACCI’s continued support for initiatives that promote sustainable development and continental trade.
NCAC Highlights Cultural and Economic Opportunities
Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Asika, represented by Dr. Bashir Hamisu, said the council would contribute meaningfully to the festival’s success.
He noted that evolving cultural opportunities would enable creatives to earn income and expand their reach beyond Nigeria.
Organisers Outline Economic and Social Benefits
Project Team Lead, Ahmed Usman, said hosting the ACFTA Fest would position Nigeria as a hub for African investors, traders and creative industries.
He disclosed that the festival would showcase legacy projects, youth training centres, startup hubs, sports facilities and creative enterprises.
Usman added that activities would include exhibitions, masterclasses, fashion runway shows, youth clinics, tournaments, performances and the African Legends United Match, with events holding at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall, Arts and Craft Village and Moshood Abiola International Stadium.
Several notable figures, including Cameroonian football legend Eyond Enoh, pledged support for the initiative.
