**Africa's Financial Growth Takes Centre Stage at the Africa Business Convention 2026** As the continent continues to grapple with its growth trajectory, the Africa Business Convention 2026 (ABC) brought together a gathering of policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to tackle the defining question of how Africa can grow faster, fairer, and more sustainably. Themed "Africa Grow", the two-day event provided a platform for high-level business-to-business (B2B) engagement, deal-making, and cross-sector dialogue. Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the convention reflected the multifaceted nature of the continent's expansion agenda, with six strategic pillars that included agriculture and food security, banking and investments, environmental governance, fintech and innovation, jobs and economy, and power and infrastructure. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Jude Chiemeka, CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). **Building Africa's Financial Architecture** The convention highlighted the need for Africa to build a robust financial architecture that can support its growth ambitions. Panellists acknowledged that the continent has the ambition, but lacks the structural capacity to realise it. They emphasized the importance of creating an ecosystem that can convert investment potential into tangible projects that uplift economies. To achieve this, capital needs to be accessible and affordable. But, as Ismael Adam Cisse, founder/CEO of Infinity Africa Group, noted, capital requires three foundational assurances: clarity on investment potential, effective risk governance, and ease of entry and exit. Without these, capital becomes expensive, and expensive capital can stifle economic growth. **Investing in Critical Infrastructure** A critical takeaway from the convention was the importance of investing in critical infrastructure, particularly power and digital connectivity. Muyiwa Mataluko, CEO of Businessfront, stressed that growth is about creating a sustainable environment where all African businesses can thrive. As Africa continues to grow, it is essential that we build structures that attract disciplined capital, link markets through investment in people and infrastructure, and cultivate environments where domestic savings fuel continental growth. The Africa Business Convention 2026 provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in high-level discussions and explore ways to achieve these goals. **Conclusion** The Africa Business Convention 2026 was a significant step towards achieving Africa's growth ambitions. As the continent continues to navigate its growth trajectory, it is