As global attention turns increasingly towards Africa’s expanding markets, investment opportunities and influence in the world economy, business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from Africa, the United States and other global markets are set to converge in New York for the 2026 edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversations.
The high-level, invitation-only event, organised by global integrated marketing and communications agency Allison Worldwide in partnership with African media and communications company BHM, will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Allison’s offices at the World Trade Center during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The gathering marks the fourth UNGA edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversations and is expected to provide a platform for influential stakeholders to examine the changing dynamics of the U.S.–Africa commercial relationship and the continent’s increasingly important role in the global economy.
This year’s conversation is themed “Africa’s Next Chapter: Trade, Partnership, Investment & Global Influence.”
The event will focus on the opportunities emerging at the intersection of trade, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and global influence, while examining how stronger commercial partnerships between Africa and international markets can translate into sustainable economic value.
Organisers said the conversations would move beyond broad discussions about Africa’s economic potential to examine the practical partnerships, investment and capital needed to unlock growth across the continent.
Trade and Investment in Focus
The event comes at a significant point in the evolution of U.S.–Africa economic relations, with renewed attention on trade, market access, investment and the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
At the same time, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is reshaping the continent’s commercial landscape by creating opportunities for increased intra-African trade and strengthening the prospect of Africa emerging as a more integrated market for international investors and businesses.
Against this backdrop, participants at ABC 2026 are expected to explore the forces likely to shape Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
Among the key areas of discussion will be trade and market access, investment and capital, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, infrastructure, financial services, entrepreneurship and the rapidly evolving African consumer market.
The discussions will also consider Africa’s growing influence beyond traditional economic indicators, particularly its expanding role in global technology, business, culture and decision-making.
Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa at Allison, said the Africa Breakfast Conversations had evolved into a platform for connecting influential stakeholders around issues with practical implications for the continent’s future.
“For the past few years, we have provided a platform during UNGA for leaders from Africa, the U.S. and the global business community to connect around the issues and opportunities shaping the continent’s future,” Moore said.
She added: “As the platform continues to evolve, this year’s focus is on strengthening U.S.–Africa trade, partnership and investment, bringing the right decision-makers into the room and creating connections that can translate into meaningful partnerships and commercial opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
From Potential to Commercial Value
For BHM Holdings CEO Ayẹni Adékúnlé, the conversation about Africa’s economic prospects has entered a new phase, with the emphasis increasingly shifting from potential to execution and measurable commercial outcomes.
He added: “This event brings together the entrepreneurs building pan-African businesses, the investors financing them, and the policymakers creating enabling environments. We’re moving beyond potential to explore how Africa’s influence translates into tangible commercial value.”
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for participants to discuss how capital, innovation, policy and cross-border partnerships can work together to accelerate sustainable growth.
A Growing UNGA Platform
Since its launch, the Africa Breakfast Conversations has established itself as a curated forum for African and international leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly.
Previous editions have attracted senior figures and representatives from major institutions and organisations, including The King’s Trust, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group; Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner at Future Africa; Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer at MTN Nigeria; as well as representatives from Goldman Sachs, Citi, NBA Africa, UBA and other leading organisations.
The 2026 edition is expected to build on that track record by bringing together stakeholders with direct influence over capital, policy, enterprise and international markets.
The event also aligns with the overarching theme of UNGA81, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” while bringing a distinctly African commercial perspective to the broader global conversation.
Organisers said the discussions would examine how stronger trade relationships, increased investment, technological transformation and African-led innovation could contribute to greater economic opportunity and shared prosperity.
At its core, ABC 2026 will seek to answer a question increasingly central to Africa’s place in the global economy: how can the continent convert its growing market size, entrepreneurial energy, technological innovation and strategic importance into lasting economic influence?
With African markets attracting greater interest from international businesses and investors, the conversations in New York are expected to focus not simply on what Africa could become, but on the partnerships and decisions capable of shaping what comes next.
The Africa Breakfast Conversations 2026 is an invite-only event, with further details on speakers, the programme and registration expected to be announced by the organisers.