The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will headline a high-level fireside dialogue at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum. The event holds on Wednesday, 29th and Thursday, 30th July 2026, at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja.

The Forum is being hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa. It will bring together policymakers, central bankers, ministers, development partners, and private sector leaders from Africa and around the world.

This year’s theme is “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties.” The Cardoso–Okonjo-Iweala dialogue will explore how African economies can build resilience, sustain reforms, deepen regional integration, and unlock long-term growth in a fragmented global economy.

The Forum will also feature keynote addresses by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh. Organizers say this highlights the need for coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies.

Other distinguished participants include Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group; Harinder Kohli, Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum; and Professor Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University. Senior academics, development partners and business leaders are also expected.

Over two days, participants will discuss macroeconomic stability, regional integration, cross-border payments, fintech, infrastructure, foreign investment, and technology transfer. They will also examine artificial intelligence, food price volatility, inflation, and monetary policy in fragile and post-crisis economies.

According to organizers, the Forum aims to foster open dialogue on issues affecting emerging markets and to identify practical policy solutions that countries can adapt to their unique circumstances. The goal is to move from ideas to actionable recommendations.

The Central Bank of Nigeria and its partners say the Forum underscores a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and supporting innovative solutions that enhance Africa’s resilience and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.