The Abia State Government has encouraged local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, professionals and other business stakeholders to take advantage of two major international trade events scheduled to take place in the state between November and December 2026.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, disclosed that the state had concluded plans for 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 and are designed to create opportunities for businesses in Abia to connect with the international market while also attracting global business interests to the state.

He said the programmes would provide platforms for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, professionals, innovators, service providers and emerging businesses to display their products and services, build strategic partnerships, access wider markets and connect with potential investors and business partners within and outside Nigeria.

Ajagba 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 to attend the events.

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

The Chief of Staff appealed to Christian leaders to help inform and mobilise members of churches and Christian communities, particularly business owners, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, professionals, youths and women in enterprise, to participate in the events.

Ajagba also called for the active participation of the Muslim community, noting the historic contributions of Muslims to commerce, enterprise, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and the distribution of goods and services across Nigeria and beyond.

He urged Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of Muslim organisations and associations, business leaders, professionals and other community leaders to publicise the events widely within the Muslim community.

The Chief of Staff particularly encouraged Muslim entrepreneurs, traders, manufacturers, professionals, farmers, transporters, artisans, women and young people in business to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the two events.