The Sanusi Adesina Abuja conference is expected to bring together influential African leaders, financial experts, policymakers and business executives in Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to examine the leadership decisions, economic reforms and investment strategies needed to build a more prosperous and resilient continent.
The gathering, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTT), marks the second edition of its Leadership Conference and will take place at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Under the theme, Leadership for a Prosperous Future, the event will provide a platform for discussions on Africa’s economic challenges and the opportunities available to accelerate development.
Former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, will deliver the keynote address, while the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, will serve as co-chairs.
The organisers expect participants from government, finance, technology, business and civil society, with discussions aimed at identifying practical approaches to strengthening African economies rather than focusing solely on the continent’s development challenges.
Economic Reforms and Investment Opportunities Take Centre Stage
A major focus of the Sanusi Adesina Abuja conference will be the relationship between effective leadership, strong institutions and sustainable economic growth, particularly as African countries continue to navigate financial pressures, changing international relationships and the need to create more productive opportunities for their populations.
The discussions will centre on three major pillars: resilience, innovation and dynamism. Through these areas, participants will examine how governments can strengthen public institutions, improve economic management, attract private investment and create an environment that supports businesses and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, access to capital and the effective mobilisation of investment resources will feature prominently in the discussions, as many African economies continue to face challenges in financing infrastructure, expanding industries and supporting businesses with the capacity to create employment.
Among the prominent figures expected at the gathering are Abia State Governor, Alex Otti; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Other expected participants include Afreximbank Executive Vice-President, Dr Kanayo Awani; Securities and Exchange Commission Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama; and Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer, Gbenga Agboola.
Their participation will bring perspectives from government, financial institutions, capital markets and the technology industry into conversations about the policies and partnerships required to improve economic opportunities across the continent.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology to Shape Discussions
Beyond traditional economic reforms, the conference will examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on Africa’s development, particularly as digital innovation continues to transform financial services, manufacturing, education and other important sectors.
Organisers have outlined plans to unveil an artificial intelligence report and establish an AI Virtual Centre as part of the conference programme. An exhibition showcasing emerging technologies will also feature at the gathering.
These initiatives are expected to encourage discussions about how African countries can adopt new technologies, improve business productivity and develop stronger digital economies while responding to the challenges that accompany rapid technological advancement.
Moreover, participants will consider how artificial intelligence could support new businesses, improve service delivery and create opportunities for young people entering an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
However, the discussions will also take place against the background of wider changes affecting African countries, including shifting global power dynamics, demographic growth and evolving economic realities.
As international economic relationships continue to change, African governments face growing pressure to strengthen domestic industries, improve their competitiveness and build institutions capable of responding to external economic shocks.
OGTT Seeks Practical Solutions for Africa’s Development
The Oxford Global Think Tank, founded by former Securities and Exchange Commission Director-General Arunma Oteh, is an independent, non-governmental and non-partisan organisation that promotes development research, policy dialogue and institutional strengthening.
Through its leadership conference, the organisation aims to bring together experienced policymakers, business leaders and emerging voices to examine issues affecting economic development and governance.
According to the organisers, the gathering will seek to move beyond broad conversations about Africa’s potential by identifying practical actions and partnerships that can strengthen institutions, mobilise investment and expand productive capacity.
The outcome of these discussions will be particularly relevant to African countries seeking to balance economic growth with inclusive development, technological advancement and improved living standards.
Ultimately, the Abuja conference will provide an opportunity for influential African stakeholders to exchange ideas on the continent’s economic direction and the leadership choices required to achieve lasting prosperity.