Business leaders, policymakers, and institutional stakeholders from Nigeria and Europe will gather in Abuja on July 2, 2024, for the 9th European Union-Nigeria Business Forum. This marks the first time the event will be held in the federal capital.
Organized by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with EU Member States and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Forum aims to explore investment opportunities along specific value chains. Themed “Investing in Jobs and a Sustainable Future,” the event will be hosted at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, highlighted the significance of the Forum in fostering engagement between businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders from both regions. She emphasized the Forum’s role in facilitating trade, investment, and partnerships to promote economic cooperation and sustainable growth.
“For the first time since its inception, the 2024 edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum will be held in Abuja. This will provide an opportunity for the EU, its Member States, and the private sector from Europe and Nigeria to engage the new administration on their investment agendas in a transparent and inclusive manner,” Isopi stated.
As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, the Forum will complement private sector investment with EU-funded projects aimed at critical social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Special focus will be on local talent, particularly among youth and women, and on enhancing economic, social, and environmental resilience. Key sectors of interest include digital, health, and agriculture.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, praised the EU Delegation and Member States for their commitment to economic cooperation and sustainable growth. “Let us seize this opportunity to pave the way for a prosperous future for both Nigeria and the EU,” she remarked.
The Forum will feature a hybrid format, targeting sectoral associations, the business community, and entrepreneurs, with at least 400 in-person participants expected, alongside virtual attendees. Discussions will cover topics such as foreign direct investment, digitalization, health, and agribusiness.
Key panels will include “Confidence in the Nigerian Economy – Sustainable Solutions to Attract FDI,” “Digitalisation Leapfrog,” “Healthy Economies Thrive,” and “From Agriculture to Agribusiness.”
