By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The organizers of the African Professional Summit 2026 have announced Professor Chris Ogbechie, one of Africa’s foremost experts in strategic management and corporate governance, as the keynote speaker for this year’s prestigious gathering scheduled for September 4, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The announcement was made by African CEO Magazine, which described Professor Chris Ogbechie as a distinguished academic and corporate leader whose wealth of experience makes him an ideal choice to address the summit’s theme, “Enhancing Professional Excellence for Global Competitiveness.”
Professor Chris Ogbechie currently serves as Professor of Strategic Management at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University and is also a visiting professor at Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a first-class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester, an MBA from Manchester Business School and a PhD in Business Administration from Brunel Business School in the United Kingdom.
A respected academic leader, Professor Chris Ogbechie served as the fourth Dean of Lagos Business School from January 2021 to December 2024, during which he strengthened the institution’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading business schools.
Before entering academia, he built an impressive corporate career with Nestlé Nigeria, where he served as Head of Marketing and Sales and held several international assignments in Malaysia, Singapore and Switzerland. His extensive consulting experience spans major organisations in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, particularly in strategy, corporate governance and business development.
Professor Ogbechie teaches strategy, sustainability and corporate governance at both Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School. He is also the founding Director of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, where he promotes responsible business practices across Africa.
His research focuses on strategic leadership, corporate sustainability, board effectiveness and managing organisations in rapidly changing business environments. Beyond academia, he has served on the boards of several leading public and private organisations, including as Chairman of Diamond Bank Plc. He currently serves on the boards of Red Star Express Plc (FedEx), National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), Health Partners and Palton Morgan Holdings, among others.
Professor Ogbechie has also authored influential books on strategic marketing, corporate governance and social responsibility, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s leading business scholars.
Meanwhile, African CEO Magazine has also announced two accomplished media professionals as featured moderators for the summit.
One of the moderators is Ambassador Phebean Swill, a renowned broadcaster and news anchor with AYV News. Throughout her journalism career, she has served as a presenter, producer and reporter for several respected media institutions, including Capital Radio, Free Radio, Star Radio and Television, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in both Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Her extensive experience in broadcasting and public communication is expected to enrich discussions during the summit.
Joining her as a featured moderator is Faith Omoboye, Foreign Affairs Correspondent at BusinessDay Nigeria. She is widely recognized for her reporting on international politics, diplomacy, global governance, Africa’s economic engagement and foreign relations. Her work simplifies complex geopolitical and policy issues, helping audiences better understand developments shaping Africa and the global community.
According to the organizers, the selection of Professor Ogbechie as keynote speaker, alongside Ambassador Phebean Swill and Faith Omoboye as moderators, reflects the summit’s commitment to bringing together outstanding professionals whose expertise and leadership continue to shape Africa’s future.
The African Professional Summit 2026 will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The event will convene business executives, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening professional excellence, innovation and global competitiveness.
The summit is organized by the African Consulting Group in collaboration with African CEO Magazine, a New York City-based Pan-African publication dedicated to promoting leadership, investment, business, technology, innovation and socioeconomic development across the continent. Through its publications and flagship events, the magazine continues to inspire business leaders and professionals while fostering dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation.
The organizers have invited individuals, institutions and corporate organisations interested in partnership, sponsorship or participation to register ahead of the event, which is expected to attract influential leaders and professionals from across Africa and the international business community.
