By: Yannick Koffi (Marketing Director) & Moses Awenayeri (Marketing Manager), Edited by Evelyn Dan Epelle
About the Authors:
Yannick Koffi is the Marketing Director at Afretrade, a specialist in cross-border brand architecture with over a decade of experience navigating Europe and African consumer markets. Moses serves as the Marketing Manager, focusing on digital ecosystem growth and SME scalability across the AfCFTA corridor.
Editor: Edited by Evelyn Dan Epelle
Unlocking Trade, Unleashing Potential, and Driving Reach to New Markets.
Africa’s trade landscape is entering a measurable new phase. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—a pact projected by the World Bank to boost Africa’s income by as much as 9 percent (up to $571 billion) and create 18 million jobs by 2035—tariff barriers are declining, regional value chains are expanding, and cross-border enterprise is accelerating. At the heart of this transformation is the Afretrade Entrepreneurship Festival (TAEF) 2026.
TAEF 2026 is a high-impact, hybrid platform engineered to convene innovators, trade architects, growth-stage SMEs, policymakers, and investors. Designed to convert business intent into executable partnerships, the festival integrates priority sectors driving Africa’s economic expansion while serving as a launchpad for scalable ventures. As the continent’s premier hybrid entrepreneurship festival, TAEF deliberately accelerates the next generation of African millionaires who will compete in regional and global markets—driving Africa’s economic renaissance.
The Mission: Why We Gather
Our mission for 2026 is bold but simple: To democratize access to intra-African trade.
While policy is written in boardrooms, trade happens on the ground. TAEF 2026 exists to equip entrepreneurs with the practical tools, brand exposure, partnerships, investments and market intelligence needed to scale their businesses beyond their local borders. We are building the human infrastructure that will power the AfCFTA.
When & Where?
Dates: 17th and 18th, June 2026
Location: Eko Hotels Lagos, Nigeria (The commercial heartbeat of West Africa).
Virtual Venue: Accessible globally via the Afretrade Digital Conference Platform.
The TAEF 2026, train is already on the move across Europe, and made its first stop in Paris France, to shine the spotlight on the African Market, by bringing the major players to drive the Economic renaissance of the continent.
By hosting the physical leg in Lagos, we place attendees in the center of Africa’s most dynamic startup ecosystem, while our hybrid format ensures that an entrepreneur in Nairobi, a profound investor in London, or a policy maker in Accra can participate seamlessly.
4 Core Reasons You Cannot Miss TAEF 2026
Whether you are a budding startup founder or an established exporter, TAEF 2026 is curated to deliver ROI on your time.
- Unmatched Networking & Partnerships: Forget exchanging business cards; TAEF is about signing deals. Our B2B matchmaking sessions connect suppliers with buyers and founders with co-founders. You will rub shoulders with industry titans across borders, government officials, and the brightest minds in African tech and trade.
- Access to Funding & Investment: Capital is the fuel for growth. The festival features a dedicated Deal Room where pre-vetted startups pitch to a panel of Angel Investors, VCs, and Impact Funds looking for the next big African success story.
- The Innovation Showcase: Witness the future of Africa. From Agritech to Fintech, our exhibition hall showcases cutting-edge solutions solving real African problems. It’s the perfect place to find your next product, intercontinental brand exposure, partner, investor, or inspiration.
How to Participate in TAEF 2026
TAEF 2026 offers tailored participation paths for multinationals, startups, SME’s and individuals looking to make an impact in the African market. Here are the three core ways to get involved:
Sponsorship: Lead the Conversation
- Position your organization as a pioneer in Africa’s economic future. Sponsorship places your brand directly in front of policymakers, investors, and ambitious entrepreneurs.
- Key Benefits: Secure prime speaking slots for thought leadership, gain high-impact branding across physical and digital platforms, and enjoy VIP access to the Investor Deal Room and private networking dinners.
- Custom Packages: From Platinum Headline Partners to Session Sponsors, packages are tailored to your marketing and CSR goals.
Premium Booths: Sponsors receive priority access to the best-positioned exhibition spaces for maximum brand exposure.
Exhibition: Showcase to the Continent
Don’t just tell people about your product—show them. The TAEF 2026 Trade Expo is the ultimate B2B and B2C marketplace, offering exposure to 5,000+ quality attendees and media over two days.
- Physical Exhibitors (Lagos): Secure a high-traffic booth to conduct live demos, launch new services, and directly engage with partners and end-users.
Virtual Exhibitors: Reach a global audience through our digital platform. Book Your Exhibition Stand
General Attendance: Be in the Room
- Experience the energy of Africa’s most dynamic business gathering, whether in Lagos or online.
- What You Get: Access to masterclasses, panel discussions, and fireside chats with industry titans. Use the festival app to network, find mentors, and schedule meetings.
- Ticket Categories:
- V.I.P. All-Access: Includes Gala Night entry, priority seating, and lounge access.
- Standard Physical Pass: Full access to the conference and expo.
Virtual Pass: Access to live streams and digital networking tools.
Ready to Secure Your Spot Here
Spaces for exhibitors and sponsors are limited. Early Bird Registration for general attendees is now open. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of African trade.
Join the Movement
The doors to Africa’s biggest market are opening. Will you be ready to walk through them?
Don’t let this opportunity pass. Position your business at the forefront of African trade. Register for TAEF 2026 Now
