Afretade lines up Obasanjo, California transport chief for TAEF in Lagos

Afretade says the 2026 Trade and Economic Forum in Lagos will bring together African, U.S. and diaspora leaders for talks on investment, infrastructure and economic cooperation. The three-day event will also feature exhibitions, workshops, awards and networking aimed at turning dialogue into deals. Why it matters: - TAEF 2026 is being positioned as a business and policy gathering focused on African economic growth, diaspora engagement and cross-border investment. - The event is designed to connect government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and creative-industry figures in one forum. - Organizers say the goal is to move beyond speeches and toward practical collaboration and solutions. What happened: - Afretade is hosting TAEF 2026 in Lagos. - Founder and CEO Lekan Salaam described TAEF 2026 as more than a festival and called it a catalyst for growth, collaboration and global relevance. - TAEF CEO Lekan Salaam and COO Dr. Charly Lemassi are hosting a broad lineup of speakers and participants from business, policy, government, culture and venture capital. - Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is set to address the event as a leading voice on Pan-Africanism and diaspora engagement. - California Secretary of Transportation Dr. Toks Omishakin is leading a California and Los Angeles delegation to the festival. - Richard Mofe-Damijo, Afretade’s brand ambassador, is among the guest speakers. The details: - Obasanjo’s address will focus on the role of a united African diaspora in building future economies. - Omishakin’s delegation will join strategic discussions on the California economy’s impact on Lagos State, cross-border investment flows, infrastructure collaboration and the role of the Nigerian and African diaspora in California’s global economic partnerships. - The event will include keynote addresses, exhibitions, trade shows and workshops. - Organizers also plan battle of cultures programming, the Trailblazer Awards and a gala night. - Dr. Idris Olagoke Badmus, CEO of ARiYA NETWORKS, said he is excited about TAEF’s goals and expects a successful three-day event. - Badmus said Africans at home and abroad are gathering to discuss economic challenges and provide solutions. - Other speakers include Dr. Charly Lemassi, Dr. Albani Igwe, Rory Douglas, Jubril Gbadjamila, Kabeer Gbadjamila, Akbar Gbadjamila, Hon. Chike O. Amadichi, Adeyinka Adedokun, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Barrister (Dr.) Konyere Adiele-Uzoma, Yannick Koffi, Julius Popoola Jadara, Paul Akume, Abiodun Dominic Odunuga and Moss Uromtah. - ARiYA NETWORKS and ARIYA TV Corp are listed with the announcement. - Afretade invited participants to register, exhibit, partner and attend at the festival website . - Afretade also shared social media links for ARIYA NETWORKS on Facebook , ARIYA NETWORKS on TikTok and ARIYA NETWORKS on X . Between the lines: - The speaker roster suggests TAEF is trying to bridge African business networks with U.S. state-level policymakers and diaspora communities. - The California delegation adds a transatlantic investment and infrastructure angle that could widen the event’s relevance beyond Nigeria. - The presence of culture, awards and trade programming suggests Afretade wants the event to serve both as a business convening and a public-facing showcase. What’s next: - TAEF 2026 is expected to run as a three-day event in Lagos. - Organizers are using the festival website to drive registrations, exhibitor participation, partnerships and attendance. - The event will likely use keynote speeches and side events to set up follow-on conversations on investment and collaboration.