Follow Us on Google Discover
Africa’s retail opportunity is often measured by the size of its consumer market. For businesses, the harder question is how much demand they can serve reliably, profitably and repeatedly.
Across goods and services from groceries and healthcare to banking, payments and food service growth depends on the capabilities behind each transaction. Weak distribution, unreliable payments and inconsistent service affect revenue, margins and customer trust. Expansion increases the stakes, committing capital and stretching people and systems.
These challenges will drive the fifth Africa Retail Congress and Awards, organised by the Africa Retail Academy, Lagos Business School, with Nairametrics and KPMG as official partners. The event takes place on Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 8:30 a.m. WAT, at the Honeywell Auditorium, Lagos Business School, Lagos.
Under the theme “Leading Africa’s Retail Strategy: People | Process | Planning | Resources,” the Congress will examine how organisations can strengthen workforce capability, improve operations, translate growth plans into measurable action and allocate resources across formal, informal and digital markets.
The Nairametrics partnership builds on its established collaboration with Lagos Business School to share retail data, analysis and industry insights with a wider business audience. KPMG’s participation builds on its assurance role in previous Africa Retail Awards editions, supporting the credibility of the recognition process.
“Annually, we gather more than 2,500 business leaders at the Retail Congress. These are people making decisions about where to invest, who to hire and how to grow their businesses. We want the discussions to be useful to those decisions. How do you expand while keeping costs under control? How do you maintain service standards as you grow? What can you learn from a business facing similar challenges in another sector? We invite business leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers to join us, share their experience and build relationships that help them move their businesses forward,” said Prof. Louis Nzegwu, Congress Chair.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Announced speakers include Bolaji Lawal of Ecobank Nigeria, Tunji Bello of the FCCPC, Charles Odii of SMEDAN, Dr Kachi Onubogu of Dangote Cement and Prof. Uchenna Uzo of the Africa Retail Academy.
Four sector-focused intelligence sessions will cover fashion, beauty, luxury and lifestyle; electronics, home, healthcare and general merchandise; financial services; and food, grocery, pharmaceuticals, FMCG and food service.
The Africa Retail Awards 2026 will recognise measurable achievement in innovation, omnichannel experience, responsible business, assortment, supply chain, employment practices and payments. An independent judging panel will assess evidence-backed entries against published criteria.
To register for the Congress: Visit afracademy.lbs.edu.ng/africa-retail-congress.
To apply for the Africa Retail Awards: Visit afracademy.lbs.edu.ng/africa-retail-awards.
For enquiries, sponsorship and partnership opportunities: Contact the Africa Retail Academy, Lagos Business School, on +234 814 169 7656 or email [email protected].
