Tag Archives: State House

Nigeria to Host 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Under the Patronage of the Office of the Vice President

Conference to Convene Global Leaders on Building Trust, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Policy
for a Borderless Economy

ABUJA, Nigeria, 02 February 2026-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Preparations are underway for the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo (RACE 2026), Africa’s flagship platform on regulatory technology, digital innovation, and policy reform, scheduled to hold from 20–22 May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Conference will be held under the Patronage of the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), and in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)—underscoring its strategic importance to Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic transformation agenda.

Anchored on the theme “Building Trust, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Policy for a Borderless Economy,” RACE 2026 will convene regulators, policymakers, technology leaders, innovators, investors, and development partners to shape the future of Africa’s digital and regulatory landscape in an era of accelerating cross-border trade and financial integration.

As Africa advances the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—a single market of over 1.4 billion people and a projected value of US$3.4 trillion—the Conference will address one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: how to align technology, regulation, and policy to enable seamless, trusted, and inclusive economic activity across borders.

“RACE 2026 is positioned as a strategic policy and innovation platform—where technology-enabled regulation becomes a catalyst for trust, inclusion, and sustainable economic growth across Africa,” Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair Organising Committee.

A Platform for Regulatory Innovation and Economic Empowerment

The Conference will spotlight how RegTech, SupTech, artificial intelligence, digital identity, interoperable payment systems, cybersecurity, and data-driven compliance solutions can reduce friction, lower risk, and unlock opportunities for governments, businesses, startups, and citizens.

Key outcomes will focus on:

  • Building trust through technology-enabled regulation and smarter supervision
  • Strengthening digital infrastructure for interoperable payments, identity, and data exchange
  • Driving inclusion for SMEs, startups, women, and underserved populations
  • Modernising policy frameworks to support innovation while safeguarding financial integrity

High-Level Engagement and Global Participation

RACE 2026 will feature 50+ world-class speakers, 10 thematic tracks, and over 1,000 in-person and virtual participants from across Africa and the global financial and technology ecosystem. The hybrid event will include ministerial dialogues, regulators’ CEO forums, innovation showcases, and curated B2B and B2G networking sessions.

A major highlight will be the Global Startup World Cup – Regional Challenge, positioning Abuja as a launchpad for Africa’s most promising technology startups to compete on the global stage.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President / Executive Secretary, Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI):

“The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo aligns strongly with Nigeria’s commitment to economic and financial inclusion. By bringing together regulators, innovators, and policymakers, the Conference provides a critical platform to harness technology and smart regulation as tools for trust-building, inclusion, and sustainable economic growth—both within Nigeria and across Africa.”

Call to Action: Registration and Partnerships

Attendance at the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo is strictly by registration, which is mandatory for all participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged due to limited capacity and high-level security protocols at the venue.

Organizations interested in partnerships, sponsorships, exhibitions, or strategic participation are invited to engage with the Organising Committee.

📩 Partnership & Sponsorship Enquiries:
Email:
info@regtechafricaconference.com

🎟 Registration & Event Information:
🌐 Website: www.regtechafricaconference.com

Positioning Africa for a Borderless Future

Through strategic media engagement and the #BorderlessAfriconomy and #RACE2026 campaigns, the Conference aims to reshape global narratives—presenting Africa not as a high-risk market, but as a policy-aware, innovation-ready, and investment-attractive continent.

The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo is expected to play a defining role in advancing Africa’s journey toward borderless economic empowerment, where trust, technology, and policy work together to deliver shared prosperity.

Event Details:
📍 Venue: State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja
📅 Date: 20–22 May 2026
🌍 Format: Hybrid (In-person & Virtual)
🔗 Website: www.regtechafricaconference.com

Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of RegTech Africa.

The post Nigeria to Host 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Under the Patronage of the Office of the Vice President appeared first on African Media Agency.

Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja

LAGOS, Nigeria, 11 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Under the distinguished patronage of the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), with the collaboration of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo will convene global leaders in policy, finance, and technology from 20th to 22nd May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Nigeria.

Anchored on the theme, “BUILDING TRUST, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICY FOR A BORDERLESS ECONOMY,” the conference is positioned as a premier global platform for shaping the future of trusted digital financial systems, cross-border trade, and regulatory innovation.

The event will bring together heads of government and regulatory agencies, central banks, financial intelligence units, multinational financial institutions, technology leaders, investors, and policy architects to align strategy around the infrastructure, governance, and digital trust frameworks required to unlock Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy.

“Regulatory technology is no longer optional. It has become the backbone of secure, inclusive, and sustainable economic systems. The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo represents Nigeria’s commitment to leadership in shaping global standards for trust, transparency, and cross-border economic collaboration,” Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair Organizing Committee. 

A central highlight of the event will be the hosting of the prestigious Global Startup World Cup Tournament – Regional Challenge, providing African startups with a world-class stage to pitch their solutions before an international panel of judges, venture capitalists, and industry experts. Winners of the regional challenge will proceed to compete at the grand finale in Silicon Valley, for a $1,000,000 investment prize, unlocking access to global investors, accelerators, and strategic partnerships.

“By bringing the Startup World Cup Regional Challenge to Abuja, we are not only showcasing African innovation, but connecting it directly to global capital, mentorship, and markets,” Graham Olasukanmi Lawal, Director Partnerships, Regtech Africa.

The three-day event, which provides strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration will feature strategic ministerial dialogues, closed-door executive roundtables, investment-focused breakout sessions, technology showcases, and curated networking platforms designed to foster impactful public–private partnerships.

Sponsorship and Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Public and private sector organizations, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, technology firms, and venture funds are invited to participate as strategic sponsors and partners. Curated partnership opportunities are available across policy leadership, infrastructure development, innovation acceleration, and market expansion pillars.


“This is a rare opportunity for forward-looking institutions to align their brands with the future of regulation, trust infrastructure, and borderless digital commerce in Africa and beyond,” Mr. Lawal noted.

The conference is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.


Registration & Partnership Opportunities Now Open

To explore partnership opportunities or register interest, please contact: info@regtechafrica.com

For further details, visit: www.regtechafricaconference.com.

Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of RegTech Africa.

About RegTech Africa 

RegTech Africa is a leading authority advancing the adoption of regulatory technology and digital trust infrastructure across the African continent. Through world-class conferences, research, and multi-stakeholder collaborations, RegTech Africa fosters innovation that strengthens financial stability, accelerates inclusion, and enhances regulatory excellence.

The post Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja appeared first on African Media Agency.

UN Pushes for Inclusive Somali dialogue

In Baidoa, a top UN official discusses South West State issues and underscores role of dialogue for tackling national priorities.

Visiting South West State today, the top United Nations official in Somalia covered a range of local topics with the Federal Member State’s leadership, in addition to reiterating the need for discussion on various national issues the country faces.

“I underscored the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among Somalia’s political and community leaders,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, while also adding that the national matters include security priorities and election planning.

“And I reiterated,” he continued, “the position of Somalia’s international partners: we welcome the initiative announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his Eid-al-Fitr message to arrange a platform that brings together the full range of Somali voices to advance the country’s state-building priorities and respond effectively to the Al-Shabaab threat.”

The UN Special Representative made the comments at a joint press encounter with South West State’s President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ after meeting with him and members of his administration at the Federal Member State’s State House.

On Tuesday (29 Apr), Swan made a similar call in press remarks after meeting with Galmudug’s President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’ and members of his team in that Federal Member State’s capital, Dhusamareb.

A group made up of 28 of Somalia’s international partners – including the United Nations – issued a statement in early April welcoming the proposal of the country’s president to organize a platform for Somali political and community leaders to ensure their views and efforts form part of the fight against terrorism and the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government.

South West State matters

Specifically to South West State, the president and UN official covered a range of topics, including state-building, security and humanitarian needs.

The UN Special Representative highlighted that that they touched on ongoing preparations for voter registration with the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), as well as direct local council elections.

“In that regard, I recalled the importance of an open political environment to permit the successful conduct of elections at all levels,” Swan said.

The serious humanitarian situation in South West State was also discussed, especially in the face of global uncertainties in maintaining aid levels.

“In collaboration with humanitarian partners, the United Nations is working hand-in-hand with the South West State authorities to address these urgent needs,” Swan said. “And we want to give priority to those who most need assistance. We also, of course, want to link the humanitarian response to this state’s longer-term development needs.”

On the security front, the UN Special Representative spoke to South West State’s steadfastness in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

“I commend the ongoing efforts by the Somali National Army and South West State forces to defend and recover territory in different regions of the state,” Swan said. “These efforts are testament to the courage and tenacity of the Somali forces battling Al-Shabaab.”

The UN Special Representative ended his press remarks with a reaffirmation of the world body’s support for South West State and its state-building priorities, and appreciation of the strong collaboration of the President and his administration.

Source: Africanews

Chakwera Tonse Govt cruelty: State House allocated MK1bn for landscaping amid thousands Malawians’ homeless over Cyclone Freddy

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera Tonse government is insensitive with lives of Malawians for self interests than of the nation.

This comes as thousands of Malawians are homeless due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy impact, Chakwera Tonse administration has allocated MK1 billion to State House lawn.

Its also coming while the same government is asking for contributions towards Cyclone Freddy response to survivors.

In the just passed 2023-2024’s MK3.78 trillion National Budget, K24 billion has been allocated to state residences. MK5 billion has been increased from the 2022-23 national budget. 

In the national budget, the allocation for State Residences including MK1.1 billion for landscaping and K60 million for agricultural inputs.

Last year, millions of kwachas were also allocated to the lawns and the funds were used to establish flower gardens around state residences and to purchase equipment.

Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe has told the local media that the MK1.1 billion caters for land improvements at state residences and wages for those employed to manage lawns and flowers.

Gwengwe justified the expense saying lawns at state residences “must be befitting to the first citizen.”

Apart from the MK1 billion for lawns, MK3 billion has also been allocated to renovation of State House in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.

“Sanjika Palace has pipes problem that require immediate plumbing services. Kamuzu Palace (State House) also needs rehabilitation. The lifts there are broken and require fixing,” Gwengwe told Parliament.

The allocation comes months after State House in Lilongwe also underwent renovation in 2021.

While Government continues to allocate billions to the president’s residences, over 500,000 Malawians are homeless in the Southern Region after their houses were destroyed by floods induced by Cyclone Freddy.

The Lazarus Chakwera administration has provided MK1.6 billion in response to Cyclone Freddy and has been begging for financial assistance from well-wishers to support the Cyclone Freddy survivors

Malawians on social media have accused Chakwera’s Tonse government for being insensitive with lives of people over the allocation to state residences.

“That one billion kwacha could have been used to construct 588 low income houses like the one built by kondwani kachamba for Cyclone Freddy victims, but alas the government has decided to use it for kutchetchela ndi kuzalira maluwa ku nyumba ya a president kwinako zikulowa mmatumba mwa anthu (landscaping at State House while some of the money is stolen by officials). We joke too much as a country,” one person wrote on social media.

Another person said: “And we want donors to shoulder the cyclone victims reallocation when we can spend so much in useless things?

“Malawians are tired and sick over Chakwera being insensitive with people’s lives. When will Chakwera starting doing right things? quarreled another person.

Chakwera’s Tonse administration has been matured with corruption, nepotism, high cost of living, high inflation, shortage of fuel, forex three years in power.

 Malawi leader Mutharika appoints diploma holder Mgeme Kalirani as press officer

Kalirani (L)
Kalirani (L)

State house has announced that Malawi leader Peter Mutharika has appointed journalist M’geme Kalirani as press officer replacing Gerald Viola.

Chief Secretary to Government, George Mkondiwa confirmed the development and also said that newly appointed Director of Communications, Dr. Bright Molande replaces Bright Malopa in that post.

Maravi Post has learnt that Kalirani holds a diploma in Journalism and a diploma in Law as well.