Cross River Hosts AfSNET 2026 After Afreximbank Agreement

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Government of Cross River State, Nigeria, have signed a hosting agreement for the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET) 2026, which will take place in Calabar. This agreement, finalized during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algiers, marks a significant step in promoting intra-African trade, regional integration, and investment, positioning Cross River as a key hub for economic growth in Nigeria and West Africa. AfSNET, launched in 2021 in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, empowers sub-sovereign governments such as states and cities to drive trade policy, economic development, and investment at the grassroots level. The 2026 conference aims to spotlight investment-ready projects, facilitate matchmaking between investors and local governments, and strengthen Africa's collective capacity to implement the AfCFTA. Governor Bassey Edet Otu described hosting AfSNET 2026 as a defining moment that will elevate Cross River's profile and catalyze continental partnerships. Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah emphasized the importance of decentralizing development to regions and localities where it has the greatest impact in shaping Africa’s economic future.