Africa’s journey towards economic prosperity requires more than ambitious policies. It demands strategic partnerships, innovative financing, stronger businesses, and collective action.
At the heart of this vision is the Africa Talks Business & Investment Forum (ATBIF), a Pan-African platform dedicated to strengthening trade, attracting investment, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and accelerating economic integration across the continent.
As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 edition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ATBIF presents another opportunity for African entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners to collaborate in shaping a more prosperous and economically resilient Africa.
About the Africa Talks Business & Investment Forum
ATBIF is the business and investment component of Africa Celebrates, a continental initiative that brings together culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic cooperation.
The forum provides a platform for African business leaders, SMEs, startups, investors, government representatives, and development institutions to explore investment opportunities, establish strategic partnerships, and address barriers to sustainable business growth.
Central to its mission is the recognition that Africa’s economic transformation must be driven by African enterprise, innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Through discussions on financing, intra-African trade, industrialisation, technology, and sustainable development, ATBIF contributes to the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
ATBIF 2025: Building Momentum for African-Led Prosperity
The 2025 edition, held from November 6–7 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was organised in collaboration with the All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) under the theme:
“Re-imagining Africa’s Business and Investment Landscape – Actioning Opportunities for Shared Economic Prosperity.”
Hosted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Headquarters, the forum brought together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to examine practical approaches to the continent’s economic development.
Discussions focused on expanding SME access to finance, strengthening intra-African trade, advancing sustainable industrialisation, encouraging technology-driven entrepreneurship, and promoting equitable investment partnerships.
A major takeaway was the need to place African businesses, particularly SMEs, at the centre of the continent’s economic transformation.
AAASME’s Contributions to ATBIF 2025
AAASME’s participation in ATBIF 2025 reinforced its commitment to promoting African entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and private-sector development.
Two significant milestones highlighted the association’s involvement.
Advancing the Africa Private Sector Bill of Rights
AAASME signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) to advance the Africa Private Sector Bill of Rights.
The agreement seeks to strengthen advocacy for a more transparent, predictable, and business-friendly regulatory environment, ensuring that African SMEs can participate meaningfully in the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
Unveiling the Ubuntu Susu Continental SME Fund
Another defining moment was the unveiling and pre-launch of the Ubuntu Susu Continental SME Fund, an AAASME-led initiative targeting $1.4 billion to address financing challenges confronting African SMEs.
Inspired by Africa’s traditional communal savings and contribution systems, Ubuntu Susu proposes an Afrocentric financing model built around collective participation, solidarity, and accessible capital.
Speaking at the forum, AAASME President, Dr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, emphasised the importance of African-led financial solutions capable of supporting businesses traditionally underserved by conventional financial institutions.
The initiative reflects AAASME’s broader commitment to developing sustainable mechanisms for SME growth and economic empowerment across the continent.
Looking Ahead: ATBIF and Africa Celebrates 2026
Building on the momentum of previous editions, the Africa Talks Business & Investment Forum is expected to continue its role as a platform for meaningful business dialogue, investment engagement, and continental collaboration during Africa Celebrates 2026.
The sixth edition of Africa Celebrates is scheduled to take place from November 10–15, 2026, at the African Union Headquarters and UNECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme:
“One Africa, One People: Uniting Culture, Innovation and Enterprise for a Shared Prosperous Future.”
The programme will feature business and trade forums, investment networking, exhibitions, innovation-focused discussions, and cultural showcases, bringing together participants from Africa and the global diaspora.
Organised by Legendary Gold Limited in partnership with Afronova, Africa Celebrates 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between Africa’s cultural identity and its economic ambitions.
While the broader event dates have been announced, the detailed ATBIF 2026 session schedule is yet to be separately confirmed.
Why African SMEs and Investors Should Participate
ATBIF offers an important opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, business associations, and development institutions seeking to contribute to Africa’s economic future.
Participants can look forward to opportunities to:
– Build strategic partnerships: Connect with business leaders, investors, policymakers, and institutions from across Africa.
– Explore investment opportunities: Discover emerging sectors, business ventures, and potential financing relationships.
– Expand market access: Engage with stakeholders working to unlock cross-border trade opportunities under the AfCFTA.
– Gain valuable insights: Participate in conversations on SME financing, innovation, sustainability, and economic development.
– Showcase African enterprise: Promote businesses, products, services, and innovative solutions to a wider continental audience.
For African SMEs, participation offers a chance to build networks, exchange knowledge, and position their enterprises within Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
Join Us in Addis Ababa for ATBIF 2026
The All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) encourages African entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, private-sector organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for participation in the upcoming forum.
Africa’s economic transformation requires collective responsibility, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to turning opportunities into measurable progress.
Be part of the conversations, connections, and collaborations shaping Africa’s business and investment future.
UPCOMING EVENT
Africa Celebrates 2026
November 10–15, 2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
For ATBIF-specific programme updates and participation information, visit the event platforms below.
Read more about ATBIF
ABTIF 2025: Re-imagining Africa’s Business and Investment Landscape
