LAGOS: Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo joined business leaders, policymakers, innovators and entrepreneurs at the AfriTrade Entrepreneurs Festival 2026 held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, where speakers underscored the need for infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, trust and good governance to drive Africa’s economic transformation.
The high-profile gathering brought together notable personalities, including AfriTrade Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lekan Salami, Chief Operating Officer Dr Charley Emassi, JUbril Gbajabiamila, veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, and Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The forum focused on the future of Africa’s economy, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development and the role of innovation in creating sustainable prosperity across the continent.
Speaking at the event, former President Obasanjo stressed that infrastructure goes beyond physical projects and remains critical to addressing many of Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.
According to him, quality infrastructure promotes security, reduces poverty and creates an environment where businesses can flourish.
Infrastructure means wholesome life. It means security, electricity, essential services,
employment generation, portable water, poverty reduction, food security, health security, education security and convenience. These are the things that create long life and attract entrepreneurs, Obasanjo said.
He noted that tackling insecurity and stimulating economic growth require investments in electricity, water supply, sanitation, transportation and other essential services.
The former president emphasized that achieving sustainable development would require good leadership and strategic planning.
We need more than rail lines; we need light, water, sanitation and a modern transportation system. Good leadership remains the foundation upon which development rests, he said.
California Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, highlighted the importance of infrastructure as the backbone of economic development and improved quality of life.
Drawing comparisons with California, he explained that investments in transportation and infrastructure have transformed the American state into the world’s fourth largest economies.
Strong infrastructure is the foundation of every thriving economy. California’s GDP is larger than that of many countries and rivals some continents because of strategic investments in transportation and economic development, Omishakin said.
According to him, infrastructure creates an enabling environment for businesses, boosts entrepreneurship, generates jobs and contributes to higher life expectancy.
When people have access to quality roads, efficient transportation, security and essential services, they enjoy healthier and more productive lives. Businesses also gain the confidence to innovate and expand, he added.
In his welcome address, AfriTrade Founder and CEO, Mr Lekan Salami, said Africa was increasingly becoming a major player in the global economy and described the festival as more than a conference.
This is a platform for learning, networking and discovering how ideas can be nurtured and funded. The essence of AfriTrade is to help entrepreneurs raise capital and transform innovative ideas into successful businesses,he said.
Salami revealed that AfriTrade has continued to promote African entrepreneurship globally through engagements in cities across Europe and North America, including Paris, the United States and Canada.
He encouraged participants to leverage the platform to establish meaningful relationships, exchange contacts and gain valuable insights from experts.
AfriTrade Chief Operating Officer, Dr Charley Emassi, said Africa possesses enormous resources and talents but suffers from a deficit of trust among its people.
She argued that the continent’s major challenge is not lack of capital but the inability of individuals and institutions to trust one another enough to collaborate and grow.
I am passionate about people and helping them discover their capabilities. Africans must come out of their shells and bring their ideas to life, she said.
Our biggest problem is not money but trust. Nigerians and Africans must embrace trust and shared values if we are to build a prosperous continent.
Jubril Gbajabiamila, reiterated the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth.
According to him, governments do not create jobs directly but provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Entrepreneurs are the engines of economic growth. Government creates policies and an enabling environment, while businesses create jobs and contribute to GDP growth, he stated.
Gbajabiamila said Africa must focus on building an ecosystem that supports young talents and equips them with the skills needed to compete globally.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended former President Obasanjo for honouring the invitation and praised Toks Omishakin for his continued efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
She urged young entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas capable of competing in international markets.
Nigerian youths must think outside the box. We have talents and ideas that can be exported to the rest of the world. Innovation and creativity will determine the future of our economy, she said.
The event also featured interactive sessions and question-and-answer segments involving professionals from different sectors, including Nollywood, technology, government and business.
Participants discussed ways of building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of accelerating economic growth and positioning Africa as a major force in the global economy.
The speakers agreed that sustainable infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, innovation and good governance are essential ingredients for Africa’s long-term prosperity.
