The CWA Business Forum 2026 is a premier pan-African platform designed to accelerate trade, investment, and enterprise development across the continent. Convened under the Conversation With Africa (CWA) Annual Forum, the Business Forum brings together business leaders, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development partners to turn dialogue into measurable economic outcomes.

Built around Africa’s evolving commercial landscape and the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Forum focuses on practical solutions, partnerships, and investments that enable African businesses to scale locally, regionally, and globally.

Why the CWA Business Forum 2026 Matters

Africa stands at a pivotal moment where policy alignment, private sector innovation, and capital mobilisation must converge. The CWA Business Forum 2026 provides a structured environment where ideas move beyond discussion into actionable commitments, fostering:

• Stronger intra-Africa trade and regional value chains

• Increased access to finance for SMEs and high-growth enterprises

• Strategic partnerships between African and global businesses

• Innovation-driven and sustainable economic growth

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Forum Objectives

The CWA Business Forum 2026 aims to:

• Promote intra-Africa trade and business collaboration under AfCFTA

• Facilitate investment and financing opportunities for African enterprises

• Strengthen the SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem

• Showcase innovation, technology, and digital transformation

• Advance sustainable, inclusive, and private-sector-led development

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Key Thematic Areas

Intra-Africa Trade & Market Integration

Exploring practical approaches to cross-border trade, regional value chains, trade facilitation, and business competitiveness within Africa’s single market.

Investment, Finance & Capital Access

Engaging investors, financial institutions, and development partners on innovative financing models, blended finance, venture capital, and diaspora investment opportunities.

Innovation, Technology & Digital Economy

Highlighting how technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems are enabling African businesses to scale and compete globally.

SMEs, Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Growth

Focusing on capacity building, market access, and scaling strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and emerging businesses.

Sustainability & Inclusive Growth

Promoting climate-smart businesses, green investments, women-led enterprises, youth entrepreneurship, and socially impactful business models.

Forum Highlights

• High-Level Business & Policy Dialogues
  Strategic conversations with business leaders, policymakers, and regional institutions shaping Africa’s economic future.

• Investment & Business Matchmaking
  Curated B2B and B2G engagements connecting entrepreneurs with investors, buyers, and strategic partners.

• Sector-Focused Panels & Workshops
  Practical sessions across priority sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, fintech, energy, logistics, and creative industries.

• Innovation & Enterprise Showcases
  A platform for startups and high-growth companies to present solutions, products, and scalable business models.

• Networking & Partnership Building
  Dedicated spaces for meaningful connections, collaboration, and deal-making.

Who Should Attend

• Business leaders and corporate executives

• Entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs

• Investors, venture capitalists, and financiers

• Policymakers and government representatives

• Development institutions and trade organisations

• Innovation hubs, accelerators, and business support organisations

Expected Outcomes

The CWA Business Forum 2026 is designed to deliver tangible impact, including:

• New business partnerships and trade opportunities

• Investment leads and funding commitments

• Policy and private sector alignment on trade and enterprise growth

• Practical insights and tools for business expansion

• Strengthened networks across Africa and beyond

Join the Conversation

The CWA Business Forum 2026 is more than an event — it is a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation. Participants will leave with connections, knowledge, and opportunities that extend well beyond the Forum.