Aumbur Kwaghter Sule.
Abuja, Nigeria — Access Bank Plc has been confirmed as a key panelist for the 8th Papyrus Global Local Government Chairmen/Mayors Conference & Awards (PAGMACA) 2026, reinforcing the event’s growing reputation as a premier platform for advancing governance, infrastructure financing, and sustainable development across Africa.
The confirmation, announced by The Papyrus Global, signals a major boost for the upcoming conference, which is scheduled to take place from April 29th to May 1st, 2026, in Abuja. The event is expected to convene a high-level gathering of mayors, local government chairmen, policymakers, development partners, and business leaders from more than twenty countries.
Access Bank’s participation is particularly significant given its track record in development finance and its role in structuring innovative funding models that bridge the gap between public sector needs and private capital. At PAGMACA 2026, the bank will take centre stage in a high-level panel discussion on “Public-Private Partnerships for Local Projects,” a theme widely regarded as critical to accelerating infrastructure development and economic growth at the grassroots level.
As African countries continue to grapple with infrastructure deficits and limited public funding, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a viable pathway to delivering essential services and driving long-term development. Access Bank is expected to bring its extensive expertise to the conversation, offering practical insights into how local governments can design, finance, and implement impactful projects through strategic collaboration with the private sector.
Organisers of the conference have highlighted the importance of Access Bank’s inclusion, noting that its experience in financing large-scale infrastructure and supporting local development initiatives makes it a valuable contributor to discussions aimed at reshaping governance at the sub-national level. The bank’s involvement also aligns with broader national priorities, including efforts to strengthen economic frameworks and promote inclusive growth.
PAGMACA 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most influential gatherings on local governance in Africa, with over 40 mayors and local business executives already confirmed to attend. In addition, several high-ranking government officials, including ministers overseeing key sectors such as foreign affairs, health, trade, and intergovernmental affairs, are expected to participate, further elevating the conference’s profile.
The event will also attract representatives from international development institutions, creating a unique opportunity for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to Africa’s progress.
For Access Bank, this platform offers a strategic avenue to share its perspectives on financing models that can unlock growth, enhance service delivery, and improve the quality of life in local communities.
Beyond its panel sessions, PAGMACA 2026 will feature an awards segment recognising excellence in leadership and innovation across local governments, underscoring the importance of accountability and performance in public service.
Industry observers believe that the conference comes at a crucial time when African nations are increasingly prioritising partnerships as a means of achieving sustainable development goals. By bringing together leaders from both the public and private sectors, PAGMACA 2026 aims to catalyse actionable solutions that can transform local economies and strengthen governance systems.
With Access Bank now confirmed as a panelist, expectations are high that the discussions around public-private partnerships will deliver tangible frameworks for implementation, offering local leaders a roadmap for financing and executing impactful projects.
As anticipation continues to build, PAGMACA 2026 stands out not only as a conference but as a strategic convergence of ideas, expertise, and leadership dedicated to shaping the future of local governance in Africa.
