07/08/2026
Day 2 of the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026), built on the momentum of the opening day with robust discussions on investment, innovation, artificial intelligence, urbanisation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Highlights from Day 2 included:
🔹 The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, challenged African leaders and investors to seize this moment of transformation through bold reforms, stronger institutions, and strategic investments that will shape the continent’s economic future.
🔹 In his keynote, Mr. Oyedele emphasised that “this is not the time to wait for perfect conditions,” urging investors to match Africa’s reform momentum with the confidence, capital, and partnerships needed to unlock growth at scale. He also reaffirmed that a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030 is a measurable target that can be achieved through sound policies, fiscal discipline, accountability, and strong coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.
🔹 The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, delivered a keynote on knowledge-based competition, institutional commercialisation of research, and technology deployment across agriculture, health, and education, calling for Africa to transition from being a technology importer to becoming a technology producer.
🔹 A panel on “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Technology Transfer and Inclusive Growth” examined practical strategies for attracting quality investments, fostering technology transfer, and promoting inclusive economic development across emerging markets.
🔹 Another engaging session explored the Triad of Fragility, Inflation and Monetary Policy Transmission in Selected Fragile and Post-Crisis Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with experts discussing the effects of food inflation, macroeconomic stability, and policy responses in fragile economies.
🔹 As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform economies and institutions, Panel 4 examined AI’s role in the workplace, governance, and democratic policy transmission, highlighting both the opportunities and policy considerations for Africa’s digital future.
🔹 Discussions on “Sub-Saharan Africa’s Urban Awakening: Catalysing Economic Growth and Job Creation” underscored the importance of sustainable urbanisation in driving productivity, investment, and employment across the continent.
🔹 The Forum concluded with reflections on two days of impactful dialogue, as participants reaffirmed the importance of resilience, regional integration, innovation, investment, and policy collaboration in shaping Africa’s economic future.
