The Africa Business Forum (ABF), convened annually by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and partners, including the African Union Commission, on the margins of the African Union Summit, is a premier platform for high level dialogue among African Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development finance institutions, and international partners. 

Over the past eight editions, the Forum has become a trusted venue for tackling Africa’s most urgent development priorities and unlocking emerging opportunities, with a strong focus on translating commitments into implementation.

In 2026, ABF will be repositioned as the continent’s leading platform for mobilising partnerships and investment, including blended finance, to advance Africa’s youth economy. Under the theme “Financing Africa’s Future: Jobs, Innovation, and Creative Capital,” the Forum will catalyse investments, partnerships, and policy actions that create jobs, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and unlock creative value, with particular attention to digital industries, MSMEs, and Africa’s expanding creative economy.

Delivery will be anchored through two flagship mechanisms:

• African Youth Resilience and Transformative Compact (AYRTC): a coalition driven framework aligning existing youth financing, innovation, and protection initiatives under a shared policy and accountability architecture convened by ECA.
• Jobs Wall Commitment Tracker: an ECA facilitated platform to document commitments and track progress by governments, DFIs, corporates, and foundations.

ABF 2026 will feature a presidential dialogue, thematic round tables, and an exhibition showcase connecting MSMEs and solution providers with financiers and investors to catalyse partnerships and mobilise investment.

• Venue: United Nations Conference Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  
• Time: 9.00 am – 6.30 pm (registration starts at 8 am)