The organisers of the Africa Business & Enterprise Conference & Awards 2026 have announced renowned entrepreneur, business leader and corporate executive, Dr. Olufemi Olaiya, as the Keynote Speaker for the maiden edition of the prestigious event, scheduled to take place on October 2, 2026, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 2:00 PM.
With the theme, “Empowering Business Through Innovation and Leadership for Sustainable Growth,” the Africa Business & Enterprise Conference & Awards 2026, organised by Marketing Space Magazine, is designed to provide a distinguished platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, professionals, innovators and other key stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore practical pathways to sustainable business growth and enterprise development across Africa.
Dr. Olaiya brings to the conference nearly three decades of entrepreneurial and business leadership experience, having built and grown businesses and driven organisational development across diverse sectors. He is the Group Chief Executive Officer of JESCHRIL GROUP, a diversified business group with interests spanning media and advertising, renewable energy, digital signage and ProAV technology, agribusiness and business services.
With extensive hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, innovation, strategy and corporate governance, Dr. Olaiya has worked with start-ups, SMEs, public institutions and established organisations, helping them navigate business challenges, identify opportunities and achieve sustainable growth. His wealth of practical experience positions him to offer valuable perspectives on the realities, challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s evolving business landscape.
Speaking on the choice of Dr. Olaiya, Publisher of Marketing Space Magazine, Ayobami Lukman-Ishau, said it is the organisers’ belief that Dr. Olaiya’s participation will significantly enrich the conference, particularly at a time when African businesses are navigating rapid technological change, evolving markets and the growing need for innovative and effective leadership.
“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 added.
A sought-after speaker and mentor, Dr. Olaiya is known for delivering practical and engaging insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy, innovation, renewable energy, governance, sales and marketing, and personal development. His keynote address is expected to challenge conventional thinking while equipping participants with actionable ideas for building resilient, innovative and growth-oriented enterprises.
Dr. Olaiya holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), specialising in Mergers and Acquisitions, and 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 also serves as Chairman of J27 International Foundation and as an Independent Non-Executive Director of SOHCAHTOA Finance Company Limited.