ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria will host a major continental policy and technology gathering in May 2026 as the RegTech Africa Conference and Expo (RACE 2026) is set to convene regulators, policymakers, fintech leaders and development partners in Abuja, organisers said, framing the event as part of a broader push to deepen trust in digital finance and accelerate cross-border trade.
At a media parley in Abuja, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion in the Office of the Vice President, said Nigeria is on a “healing journey” and intends to reclaim a stronger leadership role in Africa by building a more inclusive, “borderless” economy anchored on reforms, infrastructure and improved confidence.
Zauro said President Bola Tinubu set a target from his first day in office: growing Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030 by expanding economic participation and strengthening the financial system. He argued that recent policy changes, while painful, are intended to restore long-term stability and investor confidence.
Organisers said RACE 2026 will run May 20–22, 2026 under the patronage of the Office of the Vice President, in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, and in collaboration with GIABA. The theme is: “Building trust, infrastructure, inclusion and policy for a borderless economy.”
The organisers describe the summit as a platform to tackle persistent bottlenecks—regulatory fragmentation, weak digital identity and compliance gaps, and uneven payments infrastructure—that complicate cross-border commerce and financial flows across Africa. They said the conference will also spotlight investment opportunities across compliance technology, cybersecurity, fintech and digital public infrastructure.
Zauro linked the government’s messaging to the opportunities created by African Continental Free Trade Area, saying the administration is “intentional” about positioning Nigeria to benefit from regional integration, and that sustained engagement with partners is aimed at building the trust and rules needed for seamless trade and finance across borders.
RACE 2026 is expected to be held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, with a hybrid format (in-person and virtual), according to event materials distributed by organisers.
