Cardoso, Okonjo-Iweala to discuss Africa’s economic resilience in Abuja

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja this week, where policymakers and global economic leaders are expected to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Africa’s resilience amid rising global economic uncertainties.

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According to a statement issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria on Sunday, the two-day forum will be held at the CBN Headquarters on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2026.

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The apex bank said the event is being organised by the CBN in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa.

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It stated that a high-level fireside dialogue between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala would serve as the major highlight of the conference.

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The statement read, “A high-level fireside dialogue between 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 the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum.”

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According to the CBN, the forum will bring together senior policymakers, central bankers, ministers, development partners, private sector leaders and leading economists from across Africa and other parts of the world to discuss practical policy responses to mounting global economic challenges.

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Held under the theme, “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” the forum will focus on how African economies can navigate growing global fragmentation while sustaining reforms and expanding opportunities for long-term growth.

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The CBN stated that the Cardoso-Okonjo-Iweala dialogue would examine “how African economies can build resilience, sustain reform momentum, deepen regional integration and unlock long-term growth amid an increasingly fragmented global economy.”

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The statement added that discussions throughout the forum would centre on policy options capable of helping emerging markets withstand external shocks while maintaining macroeconomic stability and economic transformation.

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Also expected to deliver keynote addresses are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Udeh.

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According to the organisers, their participation highlights “the importance of coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies in advancing Africa’s economic transformation and long-term resilience.”

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Other participants expected at the event include the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill; the Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum, Harinder Kohli; the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed; as well as senior policymakers, academics, development partners and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.

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The CBN said participants would examine a broad range of issues affecting emerging markets, including macroeconomic stability, regional economic integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and artificial intelligence.

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Other areas of discussion include food price volatility, inflation and the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission in fragile and post-crisis economies.

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According to the organisers, the forum seeks to promote policy dialogue among governments, financial institutions and development partners while generating practical recommendations tailored to the realities of emerging and developing economies.

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“The 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum aims to foster open dialogue on issues of strategic importance to emerging markets and developing economies while identifying practical policy solutions that can be adapted to the unique circumstances of individual countries,” the statement said.

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The CBN added that the forum also reflects the commitment of the bank and its partners to strengthening regional cooperation, advancing evidence-based policymaking and promoting innovative solutions capable of enhancing Africa’s resilience and supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

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