The 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026), hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja, opened with insightful conversations on the future of Africa’s economy, bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.
Day 1 featured:
🔹 A high-level fireside dialogue between CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, exploring the forces reshaping the global economy and the strategic choices that will define Africa’s next phase of growth.
🔹 Opening remarks by Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor (Corporate Services), CBN; Harinder Kohli, Founding Director and CEO of the Emerging Markets Forum; and Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena, welcoming delegates from across the continent and beyond.
🔹 Panel One, “Navigating Global Shocks: Monetary Policy Challenges for African Central Banks,” where distinguished policymakers and economists examined strategies for strengthening macroeconomic stability, tackling inflation, and enhancing policy coordination amid persistent global uncertainties.
🔹 A keynote address by Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group, highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and encouraging developing economies to adopt bold and forward-looking AI strategies.
🔹 Panel Two, “Deepening Regional Economic Integration Through Cross-Border Payments, Fintech, Infrastructure and Policy Coordination,” which explored practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s economic integration through innovation, digital payments, infrastructure development, and stronger regional collaboration.
Swipe through to catch the highlights from an engaging first day of conversations shaping Africa’s economic future.
