The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) is gearing up to host the Abuja Business Investment Expo, anticipating a significant influx of over 500 global investors from 40 countries. This annual event aims to showcase the abundant investment opportunities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as other emerging markets across Nigeria. The expo will serve as a platform for high-level networking and collaboration, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, diplomats, financiers, and innovators from both within and outside the country. The event underlines the FCT’s growing prominence as an investment destination, particularly following recent reports indicating Abuja’s surge past Lagos in attracting foreign capital. The expo’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets,” reflects a commitment to fostering innovative and inclusive economic development strategies.
The Abuja Business Investment Expo, scheduled for October at the President Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, will offer a dynamic program designed to facilitate meaningful engagement and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect a rich mix of activities, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, business matchmaking sessions, stimulating debates, and interactive networking opportunities. These sessions will delve into crucial topics relevant to emerging markets, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore challenges, identify potential solutions, and forge partnerships. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will serve as the chief host for the event, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting investment and economic growth in the region.
The expo’s strategic timing aligns with the release of the Q1 2025 Capital Importation report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which reveals a significant shift in foreign investment patterns. According to the report, Abuja attracted $3.04 billion in capital importation during the first quarter of 2025, exceeding Lagos, which drew $2.54 billion in the same period. This development positions Abuja as a prime destination for foreign investment, and the expo aims to capitalize on this momentum by highlighting the FCT’s diverse investment opportunities and showcasing its potential for sustainable economic growth. The AICL views the expo as a key component of a broader vision to transform Abuja into a global investment hub.
Dr. Maureen Tamuno, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AICL, emphasizes the expo’s significance in bringing together diverse perspectives to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing emerging markets. She highlights the event’s primary objectives, which include showcasing Abuja’s economic and investment potential across various sectors, fostering dialogue between policymakers, investors, and stakeholders, facilitating collaborations between government agencies and private sector entities to drive innovation and economic growth, and connecting local entrepreneurs with international businesses, investors, and development partners. The expo also aims to establish a robust knowledge exchange platform to equip stakeholders with insights into investment trends, regulatory frameworks, and market opportunities.
The AICL’s focus on showcasing the FCT’s investment potential aligns with the Minister of the FCT’s vision to reposition Abuja as a global investment hub. The expo serves as a tangible manifestation of this vision, showcasing the FCT’s strengths and attracting global attention to its investment potential. The event is expected to facilitate sustainable urban development and drive economic diversification through strategic partnerships and private sector engagement. By convening key players from various sectors, the expo aims to create a dynamic ecosystem for investment and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of the FCT.
The expo’s emphasis on sustainable growth reflects a broader understanding of the importance of balancing economic development with environmental and social considerations. The event’s theme highlights the need for innovative and inclusive approaches to economic development, ensuring that growth benefits all segments of society. The AICL’s commitment to fostering a robust knowledge exchange platform underscores the importance of information sharing and capacity building in driving sustainable development. The expo is poised to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development within the FCT and beyond.
