African Marketplace (AMP) is set to make a highly anticipated return for its second edition from October 10 to 12, 2026, at the prestigious Conrad Hotel in Dubai. This follows the success of its landmark debut in 2025. The three-day event will once again gather some of the finest products, services, creatives, and innovators from Africa and the Caribbean, connecting them with global buyers, investors, policymakers, distributors, and cultural enthusiasts in one of the world's most strategically connected trade capitals.
Platform for Afro-Caribbean Excellence
African Marketplace is a pan-continental trade and cultural platform designed to spotlight export-ready brands, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and innovators from Africa and the Caribbean. Its mission is to empower these entities to scale internationally, unlock investment opportunities, and achieve global relevance. The 2026 edition will showcase the richness of African and Caribbean heritage alongside contemporary innovation across fashion, furniture, art, cuisine, music, technology, wellness, and intellectual capital.
Founder's Vision for 2026
Speaking on the announcement, Ibukun Awosika, Founder of African Marketplace and the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA), said: “African Marketplace 2025 was proof of concept. What the world witnessed in Dubai was not potential, it was excellence in full expression. For 2026, we are going even further. We are building on that foundation with greater scale, sharper commercial focus, and an even stronger declaration that Africa and the Caribbean are not waiting to be discovered. We are here. We are globally ready. And we are building our own tables. Dubai is where we invite the world to experience who we truly are.”
Building a Global Ecosystem
Through curated exhibitions, business networking, investment conversations, cultural showcases, and strategic partnerships, African Marketplace continues to position itself as a leading platform connecting Afro-Caribbean excellence to global opportunity. More than an exhibition, AMP serves as both a commercial gateway and cultural platform, creating meaningful opportunities for trade, investment, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange on a global scale. As the platform grows year after year, AMP remains committed to building a lasting ecosystem where commerce, culture, innovation, and identity converge.
