The African Marketplace (AMP) is set to return for its second edition from October 10 to 12, 2026, at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai, following the success of its inaugural event in 2025.
The three-day global trade and cultural exhibition will bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, investors, policymakers, and distributors from Africa and the Caribbean, with the aim of strengthening international trade and investment opportunities.
Organisers say the platform is designed to showcase export-ready brands, small and medium enterprises, and innovators across sectors such as fashion, art, furniture, technology, wellness, cuisine, music, and intellectual services.
The initiative seeks to position African and Caribbean businesses for global relevance by connecting them with international markets and strategic partners in one of the world’s key commercial hubs.
Founder of the African Marketplace, Ibukun Awosika, described the 2025 edition as a successful proof of concept, noting that it demonstrated the quality and competitiveness of African and Caribbean enterprises on a global stage.
She said the 2026 edition will expand in scale and focus more strongly on commercial outcomes, investment engagement, and global collaboration.
According to her, the event reflects a growing determination for Africa and the Caribbean to actively shape their own economic narratives rather than wait for external validation.
The marketplace will feature curated exhibitions, networking sessions, cultural showcases, and investment dialogues aimed at fostering cross-border partnerships and long-term business relationships.
Organisers say the event is also designed as a cultural bridge, blending commerce with heritage and creativity to promote deeper global understanding of Afro-Caribbean identity.
As anticipation builds, AMP 2026 is expected to further establish itself as a major international platform for trade, innovation, and cultural exchange between emerging markets and global investors.
