
NIGERIA BUSINESS FORUM
Nigeria is the land of all records in Africa!
With over 220 million inhabitants in 2024, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and, by 2050, with 400 million inhabitants, it will become the third most populous country in the world, after India and China.
Nigeria long held the position of Africa’s largest economy in terms of nominal GDP (450b$ in 2023) before being overtaken by Egypt and South Africa in 2024, following a significant devaluation of its national currency (the naira). Nevertheless, the country remains the 3rd third−largest economy on the continent (270b$ in 2024) and is expected to regain its leadership position by the end of the decade (around 2030), becoming the 15th largest global economy by 2050, according to projections.
Since President Tinubu came to power in the summer of 2023, the country has undertaken significant economic reforms, particularly in the hydrocarbons, energy, and infrastructure sectors, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. The macroeconomic context, although marked by challenges such as inflation and currency fluctuations—now stabilizing—offers significant opportunities in key sectors such as industry, agriculture & agribusiness, energy, healthcare, construction & infrastructure, and services.
The ongoing reforms, coupled with an improving business environment, create a favorable framework for partnerships and investments.
As the continent’s largest reserves holder and top hydrocarbon producer, Nigeria has the means to achieve long-term development. Although this sector remains the country’s primary source of foreign exchange, it accounts for only 10% of its GDP, which is far more diversified than many imagine (agriculture, industry, construction, services).
The Nigerian private sector is highly developed, competent, and dynamic across all industries. These are reliable clients and/or partners that our businesses can rely on for their market expansion.
The bilateral relationship between our two countries is excellent, as demonstrated by President Tinubu’s state visit to Paris in November 2024, which strengthened our strategic partnership in numerous areas (economy, cooperation, culture, youth, ICC, defense).
In summary, Nigeria is a country of all records thanks to its size, diversity, economic potential, and cultural influence. Despite its challenges, it remains an indispensable player in Africa and on the global stage.
Don’t be deterred by negative press about Nigeria. The market is unavoidable, and it is possible to do business there smoothly with the right support and the right partners!
PROGRAM
Debates animated by Arnaud Fleury, economic journalist
PARIS, APRIL 10TH, 2025
8:15 am – Welcome
Participation is limited and Business France do not guaranted a place in the main conference room in case of late arrival at the event. An additional room will be available for the late arrivals.
9:00 am – Opening remarks
- Benoît TRIVULCE, Deputy CEO, Business France
- Mohammed Idris MALAGI, Honourable Minister of Information & National Orientation Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation
- H.E. Marc FONBAUSTIER, Ambassador or France in Nigeria
- H.E. Segun WASA, Ambassador of Nigeria in France (TBC)
9:30 am – Business climate: Deciphering economic and financial dynamics
- Florent MANGIN, Chef du service économique régional Nigéria & Ghana
- Régis TROMEUR, Président, Comité CCEF Nigéria
10:00 am – Nigerian agro-industry: Development of the sector and logistical challenges
- H.E. Engr Oluwaseyi MAKINDE, Governor of Oyo State
- Sonia DARRACQ, Regional Agriculture Advisor based in Nigéria, Ministry of Agriculture, France
- Timothée WITKOWSKI, Head of International Projects, SEMMARIS
- Xavier DEQUIPPE, CCEF, CEO, Feed Avenue Nigeria
- Rotimi Olawale, CEO, JR Farms
10:45 am – Healthcare in Nigeria: Infrastructure, innovation and opportunities in an attractive market
- Régis TROMEUR, Director, Assene Laborex Nigeria (CFAO Healthcare)
11:30 am – Nigeria’s major construction sites: Building and financing the future
12:15 am – Nigerian industry: the continent’s 3rd industrial giant in full development
- Pawan SHARMA, Head Africa (CPG), Tolaram Nigeria
13:00 am – Key Note : Tech & Creative Industries: Nigeria, Africa’s innovation leader
13:30 am – Closing remarks
13:45 am – Networking lunch
Temporary program, therefore the timings and the content can change.
14:15 -18:00 pm – B2B Meetings
- Meetings with Business France international sectorial experts
- Meetings with partners of the events
- Individual meetings with V.I.E. advisor
- Meetings between the French and Southern African companies
Temporary program, therefore the timings and the content can change
PARIS, APRIL 11TH, 2025
Digital B2B Meetings
- Meetings with Business France international sectorial experts
- Meetings with partners of the events
- Individual meetings with V.I.E. advisor
- Meetings between the French and Southern African companies
Temporary program, therefore the timings and the content can change
In case of interest to sponsor and/or speak on this event, please fill out the following form.
Thank you for yout interest
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