AfSNET 2026: Sub-national leaders urged to unlock $9.5bn trade pipeline

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Kashim Shettima, Vice-President, has challenged state governments across Africa to translate investment opportunities into viable projects, insisting that the continent’s economic…

Kashim Shettima, Vice-President, has challenged state governments across Africa to translate investment opportunities into viable projects, insisting that the continent’s economic transformation depends largely on effective implementation, strategic partnerships and accountability.

​Shettima gave the charge in Calabar while declaring open the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET 2026), hosted by the Cross River State Government. He said Africa could no longer afford to rely solely on its abundant natural resources without developing the institutional capacity, infrastructure and investment frameworks required to convert them into economic prosperity.

​He described the conference theme, The role of sub-sovereigns in catalysing development through trade and investment, as particularly relevant, noting that economic development is ultimately experienced at the state, provincial and municipal levels. According to him, roads, electricity, agricultural processing, industrial development and employment opportunities are largely driven by activities at the sub-national level, making state governments critical actors in Africa’s economic transformation.

​Shettima disclosed that the investment pipeline presented at the conference contained 134 opportunities across 14 sectors, with an estimated value of $9.5 billion. He identified agriculture, agro-industry, digital technology, energy, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure as sectors offering significant investment opportunities across the continent. However, he warned that investment opportunities must be supported by credible feasibility studies, transparent regulatory frameworks, appropriate risk-sharing arrangements and capable institutions.

​The Vice-President urged participating governments to ensure that discussions and investment presentations at the conference translated into concrete partnerships, financial agreements and projects that would create jobs and improve…

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