The Africa-Israel Initiative has announced plans to host a Global Economic Summit in Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2026, with participants from more than 40 countries expected to explore opportunities for economic cooperation, business development and stronger ties between Africa and Israel.
The Country Director of the Africa-Israel Initiative Nigeria, Bishop Sally William-Chinebu, disclosed this while speaking on the organisation’s activities, her involvement in pro-Israel advocacy and her recent recognition for supporting Israel.
According to her, delegates are expected to arrive from November 16 ahead of the three-day summit, which will feature international speakers, business exhibitions, networking sessions and an awards ceremony on November 19.
She said the summit would provide a platform for African and Israeli stakeholders to identify areas of mutual interest, establish partnerships and explore practical approaches to economic development.
Emphasising the non-partisan nature of the event, William-Chinebu said its focus was on economic cooperation and development rather than politics.
“This is not a political event. We are doing something completely outside politics. Our focus is on development, economic cooperation and creating opportunities for people across Africa and Israel,” she said.
She explained that the initiative was designed to bring together businesses, investors, faith leaders, organisations and government representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration across national and political boundaries.
William-Chinebu said participants from more than 40 countries were expected at the summit, providing businesses and other stakeholders with opportunities to showcase their products, establish international connections and explore potential investments.
She disclosed that an exhibition pavilion would be part of the programme, allowing entrepreneurs and organisations to display their products, services and innovations to an international audience.
According to her, the exhibition would help businesses gain visibility and connect with prospective investors, partners and customers.
She urged entrepreneurs, corporate organisations and other interested stakeholders to participate in the summit to expand their networks and explore new markets.
The programme will also feature prominent speakers and an awards ceremony to recognise individuals and organisations contributing to the initiative’s objectives.
Beyond business networking, William-Chinebu expressed hope that the summit would strengthen economic relations between African countries and Israel while creating opportunities for businesses and individuals.
She said the event would combine discussions on development and international cooperation with business promotion, networking and spiritual engagement.
William-Chinebu Reflects on Recognition for Pro-Israel Advocacy
The announcement comes as William-Chinebu reflects on her longstanding involvement in pro-Israel advocacy and a recent honour from an organisation in Israel.
She said she received a notification informing her that she had been selected for recognition in a programme honouring individuals who had demonstrated commitment to advocating for Israel.
According to her, she was ranked 33rd among 50 individuals recognised under the programme.
She described the recognition as a privilege, attributing it to God’s grace rather than her personal efforts.
She said the honour acknowledged her years of advocacy, international engagement and efforts to strengthen relations between Israel and African countries.
William-Chinebu added that her interest in Israel had inspired her involvement in initiatives promoting understanding and cooperation between Israel, Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Reflecting on her convictions, she said her commitment to Israel remained central to her identity.
“Israel is my birthplace home, while Nigeria is my country of birth. I am an Israeli by choice, and I am proud of who I am and where I am coming from,” she said.
She added that political considerations and public criticism would not weaken her commitment, stressing that her position was rooted in personal conviction.
William-Chinebu also called for an end to antisemitism and violence, expressing support for efforts to protect Israelis and promote peaceful coexistence.
From World Likud to International Advocacy
Tracing her involvement in pro-Israel activities, William-Chinebu said her journey began several years ago when she brought the World Likud movement to Nigeria.
She recalled that the late Senator Tawar Umbi Wada served as chairman of the movement during that period.
According to her, the experience laid the foundation for her subsequent involvement in international advocacy and initiatives aimed at strengthening relations between Israel and other countries.
She said her engagement eventually led to her appointment as External Director of the Israel Alliance Foundation.
She further explained that the foundation gave rise to the Nigerian Parliamentary Israelite Caucus, which she said is chaired by a member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji.
William-Chinebu said her work had been driven by a desire to promote understanding, strengthen international relations and create opportunities for cooperation between Israeli interests and African political and civic institutions.
Africa-Israel Initiative’s Leadership and Mission
William-Chinebu also traced the origins of the Africa-Israel Initiative to its founder, whom she identified as Rt. Hon. Eric Selle of Norway.
She said Bishop Joshua Mringe subsequently served as president before becoming President Emeritus, adding that the organisation was now led by a Ghanaian president.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Bishop Dennis, whom she described as an important figure in the initiative’s international leadership and expansion.
The initiative seeks to strengthen relations between Africa and Israel through engagement with faith communities, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders.
Its activities include international gatherings, leadership engagement, networking and efforts to establish partnerships between African countries and Israel.
For William-Chinebu, the forthcoming Abuja summit represents another opportunity to advance these objectives by bringing together participants from different countries and professional backgrounds.
She expressed optimism that the gathering would enable participants to exchange ideas, establish relationships and identify practical areas of cooperation.
She urged Nigerians and other Africans to participate, describing the summit as an opportunity for learning, networking, business promotion and engagement with international stakeholders.
She particularly encouraged business owners, investors, faith leaders, organisations and individuals interested in international cooperation to attend.
William-Chinebu reiterated that the summit would welcome participants and speakers regardless of their political affiliations, stressing that its emphasis would remain on development, economic relations and opportunities for collaboration.
She expressed appreciation to her friends and associates in Israel and other supporters who had contributed to her advocacy journey.
She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the objectives of the Africa-Israel Initiative, particularly efforts to strengthen relations between Africa and Israel and promote economic development through international cooperation.
The Global Economic Summit is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2026, with delegates expected to begin arriving on November 16. The organisers anticipate participation from Africa and other parts of the world for discussions, exhibitions, networking and recognition of individuals and organisations contributing to the initiative’s objectives.