The Global Africa Trade Expo (GATE 2026) is a high-impact trade, investment, and innovation platform led by World Trade Center Lagos in collaboration with the World Trade Center Baltimore and the WTCA network.
GATE brings African governments, businesses, investors, innovators, and the diaspora together in the United States to transform global conversations into real trade deals, partnerships, and investments for Africa.
This event continues Africa’s engagement at the WTCA Global Business Forum 2026 in Philadelphia, creating one coordinated Africa presence across two major global platforms.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a market of 1.7 billion people by 2030.
GATE 2026 connects this opportunity directly to:

• • Global investors and capital markets
  • U.S. trade institutions and development finance bodies
  • The African diaspora business community
  • Industrial and technology partners
  • This is where Africa’s trade potential meets global scale.

Maryland sits within the Washington D.C. – Baltimore corridor, giving delegates direct proximity to:

• • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
  • U.S. Export–Import Bank
  • AfCFTA Mission to the U.S.
  • African embassies and trade representatives
  • One of the largest African diaspora business communities in North America.
  • The Port of Baltimore is a major gateway for global trade

GATE 2026 highlights Africa’s priority sectors for global partnerships:

• • Agriculture & Agribusiness
  • Energy & Renewables
  • Manufacturing & Industrialization
  • Digital Economy & Innovation
  • Creative & Cultural Industries
  • Infrastructure & Logistics
  • Green Economy & Sustainability

Business & Investment Summit
Ministerial roundtables, CEO forums, and Africa–U.S. trade dialogue.

Global Africa Trade Expo
Country pavilions, sector exhibitions, an innovation hub, and an investment pitch arena.

The Deal Room
Facilitated matchmaking between investors, governments, and businesses supported by leading development finance institutions.

Africa–Diaspora Business Forum
Connecting diaspora capital and expertise back to African markets.

Networking & Cultural Events
Receptions, technical tours, Africa Night, and cultural showcases.GATE brings African governments, businesses, investors, innovators, and the diaspora together in the United States to transform global conversations into real trade deals, partnerships, and investments for Africa.
This event continues Africa’s engagement at the WTCA Global Business Forum 2026 in Philadelphia, creating one coordinated Africa presence across two major global platforms.

• • Government ministries, departments, and agencies
  • State and sub-national governments
  • Corporations and SMEs
  • Investors and venture capital firms
  • Development finance institutions
  • Chambers of commerce and export agencies
  • African diaspora business networks
  • Startups, innovators, and creatives

• • Trade and investment opportunities valued at over $500M
  • Bilateral and private sector partnership agreements
  • Stronger Africa–U.S. trade relationships through the WTC network
  • Increased global visibility for African enterprises and innovations

Date: April 19–25, 2026 (Post-GBF)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Format: In-person Summit & Expo

Pre-departure briefings will be held in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
Visa and logistics support will be coordinated by the WTC Lagos Secretariat.

Lead Organizer: World Trade Center Lagos
Co-Host: World Trade Center Baltimore
In collaboration with WTCA Headquarters, AfCFTA Secretariat, Afreximbank, AU Mission to the U.S., and select African WTCs.

Be part of the official Africa Delegation to GATE 2026.
This is Africa’s coordinated presence on the global trade stage.