As U.S.–Africa trade and investment relations evolve, Allison Worldwide, a global integrated marketing and communications agency, and BHM, a leading African media and communications company, have announced their fourth UNGA event and the latest edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversations (ABC), a high-level, invite-only gathering taking place during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York City.
The 2026 edition will bring together senior business leaders, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders from Africa, the United States and global markets to explore the next chapter of the US/Africa growth story and the continent’s continued economic growth and its evolving role in the US and global economy.
Scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at Allison’s offices at the World Trade Center, the gathering will focus on the opportunities emerging at the intersection of U.S.–Africa trade, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and global influence, while examining what stronger commercial partnerships between Africa and global markets could mean for businesses, investors and policymakers.
With the theme, ‘Africa’s Next Chapter: Trade, Partnership, Investment & Global Influence,’ ABC 2026 will provide a platform for candid conversations on Africa’s changing economic landscape, the sectors and markets shaping its growth, and the partnerships and capital required to translate opportunity into sustainable economic value.
The event comes at an important moment for the U.S.–Africa commercial relationship, 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 creating new opportunities for greater intra-African commerce and positioning the continent as an increasingly integrated market for international businesses and investors.
The conversations will explore the forces shaping Africa’s next phase of growth, including trade and market access, investment and capital, AI and digital transformation, infrastructure, financial services, entrepreneurship and the evolving African consumer market. The programme will also examine Africa’s growing influence in global business, technology, culture and decision-making.
“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,” said Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa at Allison. “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.”
Ayẹni Adékúnlé, CEO of BHM Holdings, added, “Africa is no longer a future opportunity; it’s a present-day growth market. 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 Africa Breakfast Conversations has established itself as a curated forum for African and global leaders during UNGA. Previous editions have featured senior figures and organisations including The Kings 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; and representatives from Goldman Sachs, Citi Bank, NBA Africa, UBA and other leading organisations.
The Africa Breakfast Conversations aligns with the overarching focus of UNGA81, ‘Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,’ while bringing an African commercial perspective to the global conversation. The 2026 edition will examine how stronger trade relationships, increased investment, technological transformation and African-led innovation can contribute to greater economic opportunity and shared prosperity.
Africa Breakfast Conversations 2026 is an invite-only event. Further details on speakers, programme and registration will be announced in due course at abcnyc.co.
