Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala to Headline Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, are set to lead discussions at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum as policymakers, economists and business leaders converge in Abuja to chart strategies for strengthening Africa’s economic resilience.
The two-day forum, scheduled for July 29 and 30 at the CBN headquarters, is being organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA). The event will bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, development partners, private sector executives and leading scholars to deliberate on solutions to Africa’s evolving economic challenges.
The forum, themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” will feature a high-level fireside conversation between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala. Their discussion is expected to focus on sustaining economic reforms, strengthening regional integration, improving resilience to global shocks and unlocking long-term inclusive growth across the continent.
Keynote presentations will also be delivered by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh. Their sessions will examine how coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies can accelerate Africa’s economic transformation and enhance competitiveness in the global economy.
Other notable participants expected at the forum include World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill, Emerging Markets Forum Founder Harinder Kohli, senior policymakers, academics, development finance institutions and business leaders from across Africa and beyond. Discussions will cover macroeconomic stability, regional integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, inflation, food price volatility and monetary policy.
Organisers said the Africa Emerging Markets Forum is designed to promote evidence-based policy dialogue and strengthen regional cooperation by identifying practical solutions that will support sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the continent. The event is expected to reinforce Africa’s commitment to building resilient economies capable of withstanding increasing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
