With 17 days remaining before the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), attention is shifting to the business and economic opportunities expected to accompany the continental women’s golf championship, particularly through a planned Business and Economic Summit.

Maryam Shehu, Chairperson of the Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee for AACT Nigeria 2026, said the summit would provide a platform for participants to explore business opportunities, build professional connections and engage in discussions on investment, trade and economic cooperation.

The initiative reflects the broader vision of AACT 2026 as more than a sporting competition, combining golf with business, tourism and cultural exchange to promote African unity and shared prosperity.

The championship is expected to bring together players, officials, administrators and other stakeholders from across the continent, creating opportunities to strengthen professional networks and position Abuja as a destination for sporting events, business engagement and tourism.

The Business and Economic Summit will complement the action on the golf course by providing a forum to discuss how major sporting events can stimulate economic activity, encourage partnerships and create opportunities for businesses and participating stakeholders.

For entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders, the gathering is expected to facilitate networking, the exchange of ideas and the exploration of potential areas of mutual interest. It will also provide an opportunity to examine how sport can contribute to tourism development, hospitality, service delivery and stronger economic relations among African countries.

As Chairperson of the Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee, Shehu is playing a key role in connecting the championship with relevant government institutions, partners and other stakeholders to ensure that its potential benefits extend beyond the golf course.

The summit also aligns with the spirit of the 2026 championship, which is being promoted under the slogan “Uniting Africa Through the Greens.” The message highlights golf's potential to bring people and nations together while creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and development.

Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, having previously staged the competition in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010.

The 2026 edition is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.

As preparations continue, the focus remains on delivering a successful championship that celebrates women's golf, showcases Nigeria's hospitality, strengthens connections across Africa and highlights the wider social and economic benefits of hosting major sporting events.

With 17 days to go, Abuja is preparing to welcome Africa for a championship that aims to unite sport, business and culture.