Olufemi Olaiya to deliver keynote at Africa Business & Enterprise Conference 2026

Renowned entrepreneur, business leader and corporate executive, Dr. Olufemi Olaiya, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the maiden edition of the Africa Business & Enterprise Conference & Awards 2026, scheduled for October 2 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, organised by Marketing Space Magazine, will commence at 2:00 p.m. and is themed “Empowering Business Through Innovation and Leadership for Sustainable Growth.”

The conference is expected to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, professionals, innovators and other stakeholders to examine emerging opportunities and challenges confronting businesses across Africa.

According to the organisers, the event is designed to provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore practical strategies for sustainable business growth and enterprise development.

Olaiya, who has nearly three decades of experience in entrepreneurship and corporate leadership, is expected to draw on his extensive experience in building businesses, driving organisational development and navigating changing market conditions.

He is the Group Chief Executive Officer of JESCHRIL GROUP, a diversified business group with interests in media and advertising, renewable energy, digital signage and professional audio-visual technology, agribusiness and business services.

Over the course of his career, Olaiya has worked with start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, public institutions and established organisations, providing expertise in areas including business growth, leadership, innovation, strategy and corporate governance.

His practical experience across multiple sectors is expected to form a major part of his keynote address, particularly as African businesses contend with rapid technological developments, changing consumer behaviour, evolving markets and increasing pressure to adopt innovative business models.

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Speaking on the choice of Olaiya as keynote speaker, Publisher of Marketing Space Magazine, Ayobami Lukman-Ishau, said the organisers believe his wealth of experience would add significant value to the inaugural conference.

According to Lukman-Ishau, Olaiya’s participation comes at a critical time when businesses across the continent are seeking innovative approaches to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth.

“His keynote is expected to inspire emerging entrepreneurs, provide fresh perspectives for established businesses and contribute meaningfully to the broader dialogue on Africa’s economic and enterprise development,” he said.

Olaiya is also recognised as a speaker and mentor, with experience addressing audiences on entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy, innovation, renewable energy, corporate governance, sales and marketing, and personal development.

His keynote is expected to focus on practical approaches to building resilient and innovative enterprises while challenging conventional thinking about leadership and business growth.

The organisers said participants would have the opportunity to gain insights that can be applied to their businesses and professional careers, while also engaging other industry leaders on strategies for strengthening Africa’s enterprise ecosystem.

Beyond the conference sessions, the Africa Business & Enterprise Conference & Awards 2026 is expected to recognise outstanding contributions to business and enterprise development, bringing together leading players from different sectors of the African economy.

Olaiya holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with specialisation in Mergers and Acquisitions. He is a member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD), the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

He is also Chairman of the J27 International Foundation and serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of SOHCAHTOA Finance Company Limited.

The maiden conference is expected to serve as a meeting point for ideas, partnerships and practical solutions aimed at strengthening businesses and promoting sustainable enterprise development across Africa.