Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala to Lead High Level Dialogue on Africa's Economic Resilience
Top Policymakers to Discuss Africa's Economic Future at Abuja Forum
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 headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja from 29 to 30 July 2026. The event will bring together senior policymakers, economists, development partners and private sector leaders to discuss Africa's economic outlook and strategies for navigating global economic uncertainties.
Hosted by the CBN in partnership with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), this year's forum is themed "Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties." Organisers say the gathering will focus on practical policy responses to an increasingly complex global economic environment while exploring opportunities for sustainable growth across emerging African economies.
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High-Level Economic Dialogue
A major highlight of the two day event will be a fireside discussion between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala. The dialogue is expected to examine how African economies can sustain ongoing reforms, deepen regional integration and unlock long-term growth opportunities despite external economic pressures.
The forum will also feature keynote addresses and panel discussions involving government officials, central bankers, international financial institutions, academics and business leaders from across Africa and beyond. Organisers said the event is intended to encourage evidence-based policymaking and stronger regional cooperation.
Key Issues on the Agenda
Participants are expected to deliberate on a broad range of economic issues affecting emerging markets, including macroeconomic stability, regional integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, foreign direct investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer and artificial intelligence. Discussions will also examine inflation management, food price volatility and the effectiveness of monetary policy in fragile and post-crisis economies.
According to the organisers, the forum aims to identify practical and adaptable policy solutions that can help African economies strengthen resilience and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.
Bringing Together Global and Regional Leaders
In addition to Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala, the event is expected to attract prominent international and regional figures, including senior representatives from the World Bank, the Emerging Markets Forum and academia. The organisers said the diverse participation reflects a shared commitment to addressing Africa's economic challenges through collaboration and policy innovation.
Outlook
The 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum is expected to provide a platform for high-level dialogue on Africa's economic future at a time of heightened global uncertainty. The discussions are expected to contribute to ongoing conversations around economic reforms, regional integration and strategies for achieving resilient and sustainable growth across the continent.
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