She Means Business (SMB) × Cross River State × Office of the First Lady of Calabar
African Women in
Business Expo 2026
“From Africa to the World — Preparing Women for Global Opportunities”
Africa's Premier Women
in Business Gathering
Organised by She Means Business (SMB) in partnership with the Cross River State Government and the Office of the First Lady of Calabar — bringing Africa's boldest women in business together for 3 transformative days in Calabar, Nigeria.
The African Women in Business Expo 2026 is more than a conference — it is a movement. Over three powerful days, attendees will access world-class keynote sessions, immersive exhibitions, high-level networking, investment opportunities, and a direct pathway to global markets.
The Expo is the gateway to the SMB Global Conference in Qatar — connecting Africa's boldest women in business for networking, visibility, investment, and global partnerships.
- ◆Network with 2,000+ women in business from across Africa and beyond
- ◆Attend keynote sessions across 12 high-impact business sectors
- ◆Access investment funding and global distribution connections
- ◆Showcase your brand through our exhibition and vendor programme
- ◆Win grants and prizes through our raffle and pitching competition
- ◆Pathway to the SMB Global Conference — Qatar
3 Days. Endless Possibilities.
A packed 3-day programme of keynotes, panels, exhibitions, cultural performances, and world-class networking — every day begins at 10:00 AM.
Opening Day
- Welcome speech by the Curator of She Means Business
- Welcome address by the First Lady of Cross River State
- Cultural display at venue entrance
- 4 Keynote Speakers (20 minutes each)
- 10-person Panel Session (30–40 minutes)
- Comedy & Cultural Performances
- Exhibition Viewing
- Sightseeing & Local Attractions
- Guest Body Massage (invited guests)
Business Day
- Welcome speech by the Curator of She Means Business
- Welcome address by the First Lady
- Cultural display at venue entrance
- 4 Keynote Speakers (20 minutes each)
- 10-person Panel Session (30–40 minutes)
- Comedy, Dance, Drama & Cultural Performances
- Exhibition Viewing
- Sightseeing & Local Attractions
- Guest Body Massage (invited guests)
Grand Finale
- Welcome speech by the Curator of She Means Business
- Cultural display at venue entrance
- 4 Keynote Speakers (20 minutes each)
- Panel: Women in Investment — Banking, Financing & Distribution
- Pitching Competition — Winner receives a prize
- Live Musical Performance by an Artist
- Dinner with the First Lady — Tasting of Local Cuisines
12 Sectors. 5 Countries. One Stage.
The Expo brings together Africa's leading women across 12 business sectors and representatives from 6 nations.
Business Sectors
Countries Represented
Event Highlights
Three transformative days packed with experiences designed to accelerate your business and expand your global network.
Keynote Sessions
12 world-class keynote speakers — one per industry sector — sharing insights, strategy, and inspiration over 3 days.
Networking
Connect with 2,000+ women entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers from across Africa and the world.
Exhibition Hall
Showcase your brand to thousands of visitors. Stalls available from ₦250,000 with 7 free slots for Calabar indigenes.
Investment Access
Dedicated sessions on banking, financing, and distribution. Direct access to funding opportunities and global partners.
Pitching Competition
Day 3 features a live pitching competition — the winner walks away with an exciting prize. Apply to compete.
Raffle Draws & Grants
Exclusive raffle draws and grants available to registered attendees throughout the 3-day event.
Global Pathway
The Expo is a gateway to the SMB Global Conference in Qatar — the next stage in your international business journey.
Culture & Entertainment
Cultural displays by Cross River State, comedy performances, dance, drama, and a live artist concert on Day 3.
First Lady's Dinner
Day 3 exclusive dinner hosted by the First Lady of Cross River State — a Tasting of Local Cuisines.
Register Now
Spaces are strictly limited. Early registration is strongly advised.
Partner With Africa's
Biggest Women in Business Expo
Align your brand with Africa's most influential women in business and access an audience of 2,000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers.
Why Sponsor?
- ◆Brand visibility to 2,000+ attendees over 3 days
- ◆Exposure across 5+ African countries
- ◆Media access — billboards, radio (4 stations), TV, social
- ◆Direct networking with women leaders across 12 sectors
- ◆Official partnership with Cross River State Government & Office of the First Lady of Calabar
- ◆Opportunity to host sessions, exhibitions & activations
Sponsorship Tiers
| Tier | From |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | ₦10,000,000 |
| Tier 2 | ₦25,000,000 |
| Tier 3 (Headline) | ₦50,000,000+ |
| Brand Exhibition Partner | ₦3,000,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
African Women in Business Expo 2026
She Means Business (SMB) × Cross River State Government × Office of the First Lady of Calabar
© 2026 She Means Business (SMB). Organised in Partnership with Cross River State Government & the Office of the First Lady of Calabar. All rights reserved.