MET Global Conference 2026
Multiplication Through Measurable Impact
Africa's Execution Platform for Trade, Investment, and Economic Transformation
The MET Global Conference 2026 brings together leaders, governments, investors, MSMEs, royal houses, and community enterprises online over three evenings to activate Africa's economic future through real trade, real partnerships, and measurable results.
"Multiplication Through Measurable Impact"
This marks a decisive shift from dialogue to delivery — from conversations to access, trade, and tangible outcomes that uplift the informal sector globally.
What is MET?
MET (Market Economy Treatment) is a powerful, action-driven framework designed to activate, integrate, and scale informal, micro, and community enterprises into structured regional and global markets.
The informal sector forms the backbone of emerging economies, yet continues to face barriers to market access, trade participation, funding, and integration into structured value chains. MET addresses these challenges head-on.
Through MET, businesses are not just trained — they are prepared, connected, and positioned to trade globally.
Africa does not lack opportunity — it lacks structured activation at scale.
- Unlock market access for the informal sector across Africa and globally
- Integrate the informal economy into structured value chains
- Build export-ready MSMEs through trade-led platforms
- Attract investment, deal flow, and partnerships across continents
- Deliver measurable economic impact — deals, MoUs, and sector growth
- Advance AfCFTA cross-border trade and economic integration
This is where Africa moves from potential to performance.
Online 2026: Three Evenings, One Continent
The MET Global Conference 2026 is delivered entirely online over three evenings, 25–27 November 2026, starting 18:00 SAST. Delegates across Africa and beyond join from wherever they are — no travel, no visa, no venue capacity limit — and meet governments, investors, MSMEs and community enterprises in the same rooms.
Each evening is booked separately in the IEDF Booking System, so participants reserve the days that match their sector, their market and their goals.
Continental Reach
Delegates from 30+ nations join without travel barriers
Policy Access
Government and institutional voices in the same sessions
Structured Connection
Sector rooms, matchmaking and direct deal conversations
Bookable by Day
Reserve the evenings that fit your sector and goals
IEDF & Vision 2030
The conference is delivered in alignment with the Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) and Vision 2030 — Africa's blueprint for inclusive, scalable economic growth. Powered by LMD Global and IEDF, this is not theory — this is execution through structure.
A Multi-Stakeholder Movement
The strength of MET lies in its inclusive ecosystem — bringing together every layer of society to shape a new economic pathway that is collaborative and impact-driven.
Royal Houses & Monarchs
Advancing socio-economic development within communities
Sectorial Organisations
Driving structured industry participation
NGOs & NPOs
Supporting grassroots development and capacity building
Informal Sector Leaders
Representing the voice of the informal economy
Public & Private Sector
Enabling investment, trade, and policy alignment
A Journey from Vision to Execution
Over three online evenings, MET 2026 takes delegates from strategy to action, from connection to transaction.
High-level panels, AfCFTA discussions, and continental strategy sessions with government leaders and policymakers — the policy ground every sector must be ready for.
Workshops, B2B matchmaking, cross-border trade facilitation and deal-making that connect businesses with buyers, investors and markets.
Enterprise showcases and the prestigious MET Awards, celebrating the measurable impact of informal, micro and community enterprises across Africa.
Conference Deliverables
Participants can expect structured, outcomes-focused engagement across every session.
Exhibition & Trade Platforms
Showcase products and services to buyers, investors, and partners from 30+ nations.
Sector-Specific Sessions
Deep-dive engagement in trade, finance, technology, tourism, retail, personal care, and more.
Investment & Partnership Opportunities
Direct access to investors, development partners, and high-growth market opportunities.
Cross-Border Trade Missions
Structured trade missions to facilitate cross-border collaboration and market access.
MoU & Deal-Making
Formal platforms for signing Memoranda of Understanding and concluding business deals.
Cultural & Economic Exchange
Royal engagement, cultural diplomacy, and the celebration of African economic excellence.
MET Awards
MET Programme — Enterprise Development & Recognition
The MET Programme ensures that every activity translates into real, trackable impact. It is Africa's framework for accountability, recognition, and measurable progress — ensuring no effort goes untracked or unrecognised.
This is where influence meets opportunity.
Government Leaders & Policymakers
Royal Houses & Monarchs
MSMEs & Community Enterprises
Investors & Development Partners
Private Sector & Corporate Leaders
Sectorial Organisations & NGOs
30+ Nations Represented
Informal Sector Leaders & Associations
Join the Movement
The IEDF invites all stakeholders — informal sector participants, sector leaders, development organisations, traditional leadership, and global partners.
Delegates
Attend all 4 days of strategic sessions, workshops, and networking.
Exhibitors
Showcase your products and services to a global audience of buyers and investors.
Strategic Partners
Co-create Africa's economic future at the leadership level.
Trade Mission Participants
Join structured cross-border trade missions and sector engagements.
Partnership Opportunities
Become a Partner in Africa's Economic Transformation. This is not sponsorship — it is co-creation of Africa's future.
Lead at Continental Level
Shape Africa's trade, investment, and MSME growth agenda at the highest table.
Access Real Opportunities
Connect directly with businesses, investors, and markets across 30+ nations.
Deliver Measurable Impact
Track results through MET Programme reporting and accountability frameworks.
Position as Thought Leader
Influence policy, strategy, and economic direction across Africa and beyond.
Build Strategic Relationships
Engage with leaders, royal houses, and sector heads across the continent.
Partners can participate through:
Expected Impact
MET 2026 is designed to deliver real, measurable transformation — deals, MoUs, partnerships, and sector growth you can track and scale.
- Increased MSME participation in cross-border trade
- Stronger export pipelines and trade mission outcomes
- New investments, partnerships, and MoUs signed
- Formalisation of the informal economy at scale
- Job creation and sector growth across Africa
- Alignment with IEDF Vision 2030 and continental Agenda 2063
Leadership Insight
"MET was created to shift the informal sector from survival to structured participation in the global economy. It is not about conversations — it is about access, trade, and measurable impact."
Chantal Maxim
IEDF Global Deputy President & Director of Business Development
"MET 2026 is where we will see that impact multiply."
Be Part of the Movement
We invite governments, corporates, investors, royal houses, and development partners to stand with us at MET 2026. Together, we move Africa from potential to performance.
