The African Bar Association has officially unveiled Ibrahim Agboola Gambari as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Annual Conference scheduled to hold in Sal, Cape Verde from September 20 to 24, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Association and signed by its Vice President (Administration) and Executive Director, Rudolf Ezeani, the AFBA described Professor Gambari as a distinguished scholar and global diplomat whose career spans academia, national service, and international governance.
The conference, themed “Resilient Africa’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development: Addressing and Strengthening Issues of Military, Security and Economic Stability,” is expected to convene legal practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
According to the Association, Professor Gambari’s extensive experience in governance and diplomacy positions him to deliver a keynote address that will shape discussions on law, development, and Africa’s evolving role in the global order.
Professor Gambari previously served as Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria from 2020 to 2023 and as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs between 1984 and 1985. He also represented Nigeria as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1990 to 1999.
At the international level, he served as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa from 1999 to 2005, and chaired the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid between 1990 and 1994.
Beyond public office, the Association noted that he continues to influence global discourse through thought leadership and institution-building. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Commission on Global Security, Justice and Governance and is the founder of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development.
He also holds academic leadership roles as Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, and Philomath University, Abuja.
Professor Gambari has received several international honours in recognition of his contributions to peace, diplomacy, and development. These include Nigeria’s Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, South Africa’s Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, and Angola’s Peace and Development Medal.
The AFBA stated that his keynote address is expected to set the tone for a transformative conference, engaging critical issues surrounding governance, security, and economic stability in Africa.
The Association added that the 2026 conference will provide a platform for robust dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic engagement aimed at strengthening Africa’s legal and institutional frameworks.
It urged participants to attend the conference and take advantage of the opportunity to engage with leading legal minds and global thought leaders shaping the future of the continent.
