About GTF 2026
AFRICA UNBOXED
A hands-on, deal-focused marketplace where businesses, governments, and investors come together to buy, sell, invest, and sign agreements — built to bring the AfCFTA trade zone to life.
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Executive Summary
THE BIG PICTURE
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has created the world’s largest free trade zone by number of countries. GTF 2026 is built to bring this trade zone to life turning agreements on paper into real deals, real products on shelves, and real money in the hands of African businesses.
Oct 12 –18
Event Dates, 2026
Kigali
Rwanda
Organizer
Eki Global
Holdings
Eki Global Holdings Ltd. is a pan-African conglomerate operating across climate technology, digital marketplaces, smart networking, and sustainable hospitality. The GTF is Eki Holdings’ flagship event — Africa’s answer to Davos.
Ecosystem includes Eki Co-Net (NFC digital cards and Wristbands), Eki Marketplace (B2B,B2C trade platform), Eki SoTek (Smart hospitality systems)
The Context
Why Africa Needs GTF 2026
The Opportunity
World's Largest Free Trade Area
AfCFTA creates the world’s largest free trade area with 54
African nations trading more freely with each other and the world.
The Money
$560 Billion New Wealth
Successful AfCFTA implementation is expected to boost Africa’s total exports by US$560 billion, creating enormous new wealth.
The Projection
30 Million Out of Poverty
The World Bank projects AfCFTA could lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and raise incomes for 68 million by 2035.
The Gap — GTF Fills It
Global Investors Meet Africa
Despite digital progress, a major gap remains between global investors and African opportunities. GTF fills this gap with a physical, deal-focused forum.
Value Proposition
What Each Participant Gains
For Investors
→ Direct access to Africa’s $3.4 trillion market
→ Pre-screened investment opportunities
→ Safe, organised environment to meet vetted project owners
→ Deal Room: 45-min scheduled investment meetings
For Governments
→ Showcase your country’s investment opportunities
→ Sign bilateral trade deals & attract FD
→ Demonstrate your nation’s readiness for business
→ Sign the Kigali Declaration on Day 7
For SMEs
→ Direct access to buyers and investors without middlemen
→ Sign supply contracts with global retailers
→ Secure financing and launch products to a global audience
→ Startup Pitch Arena access on Days 4 & 5
For Global Firms
→ Single most efficient point of entry into the African market
→ Meet partners from 50+ countries in one week
→ Sector pavilion naming rights available
→ Media coverage: CNBC Africa, Bloomberg, Financial Times
Core Business Components
Where Deals Get Done
Deal Room Suite
Appointment-Based B2B/B2G Meetings
Private 45-minute scheduled meetings running all 7 days. Supply contracts, investment agreements, B2G contracts, and joint ventures — all signed on the spot.
Real Example
“A Rwandan coffee cooperative negotiates price, volume & delivery terms with a major European retailer — in 45 minutes, without ever leaving Kigali.”
Investment Pitch Arena
Shark Tank-Style Investor Sessions
Entrepreneurs and project developers present to panels of global investors. Investors can commit funding on the spot. Sessions are categorised by sector — 12 startups pitch on Day 4, 8 SMEs pitch on Day 5.
Innovation Unveiling Platform
New African Products Launched
Daily dedicated slots for the official launch of new African products, platforms, and services. Covered by international media and streamed globally. A new product launched at
GTF 2026 will be seen immediately by investors, buyers, and consumers across the world.









