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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 3^rd 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 moderated by Igor Chlapak, Director Business France Nigeria

PARIS, APRIL 10TH, 2025

8:30 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

Didier BOULOGNE, General Deputy of Export, Business France
Emmanuelle BLATMANN, Director for Africa and Indian Ocean, MEAE
Mohammed Idris MALAGI, Honourable Minister of Information & National Orientation Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation
H.E. Marc FONBAUSTIER, Ambassador of France in Nigeria

9:30 am – Opening remarks

H.E. Engr Oluwaseyi MAKINDE, Governor of Oyo State
H.E. Babajide SANWO-OLU, Governor of Lagos State
H.E. Dapo ABIODUN, Governor of Ogun State
H.E. Lucky AIYEDATIWA, Governor of Ondo State
H.E. Uba SANI, Governor of Kaduna State
H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman ABDULRAZAQ, Governor of Kwara State
H.E. Mr. Francis Ogbonna ERISHI NWIFURU, Governor of Ebonyi State

9:45 am – Business Climate: Deciphering economic and financial dynamics

Florent MANGIN, Head of the Regional Economic Department Nigeria – Ghana, French Treasury
Régis TROMEUR, Committee Chairman, CCEF NIGERIA
Jean HAAS, Secretary General, French-Nigerian Business Council
Rabah RAHMANI, General Manager member of the Executive Committee, Zenith Bank France
Dr. Femi OGUNSEINDE, Executive Director, Investments, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI)
French Development Agency (AFD) : presentation of their 2b$ investment portfolio in Nigeria.

10:30 am – Nigerian agriculture & agro-industries: A booming sector !

Sonia DARRACQ, Regional Agriculture Counsellor based in Nigeria, French Ministry of Agriculture
Timothée WITKOWSKI, Head of International Projects, SEMMARIS / Rungis Market
Rotimi OLAWALE, CEO, JR Farms
Olakunle OLUSANYA, Director & General Secretary West Africa, Danone – Fan Milk
Jean-Philippe DARDAR, Export Manager, Panzani Solutions
Otutochi WIGWE, Director of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation Nigeria.

11:15 am – Healthcare: Infrastructures, Innovations and Opportunities of an attractive market

Régis TROMEUR, General Manager, Assene Laborex Nigeria (CFAO Healthcare)
Ogechukwu ONWUFUJU, Divisional Head of Sales, Radiology & Radiotherapy (Nigeria & West Africa), JNC International
John SHIDIAK, Managing Director, Bristol Scientific

12:00 pm – Nigeria’s major construction sites: Building and financing the future

Yves-Robert LEFEBURE, Director, CHAGOURY GROUP
Jean-Baptiste DJEBBARI, Former French Minister of Transportation (2020-2022), Partner, MEGELLIM
Olivier PERDRIEL, Founder & CEO, SKY FIRST
Hisham MANSOUR, Managing Director, TOFA Ltd
Tareq ABBOUD, Director, TOFA Ltd

12:45 pm – Nigerian industry: the New African Manufacturing Hub

Manpreet SINGH, Marketing Head, TOLORAM NIGERIA
Ritambhara KAKKAR, Chief Marketing Officer, TOLORAM NIGERIA
Rajan GUPTA, Director, AIG
Adeline GABILLAUD, VP, Regional Director West Africa – CMA CGM

01:30 pm – Goodwill Message

Rt. Hon Kalejaiye Paul ADEBOYE, PhD, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria 🇳🇬/ France 🇫🇷 Parliamentary Friendship Group

01:45 pm – Closing remarks

Igor CHLAPAK, Director, BUSINESS FRANCE NIGERIA

01:50 pm – Networking lunch

Temporary program, therefore the timings and the content can change.

02:30 -06:00 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

MEET WITH MAJOR NIGERIAN COMPANIES

JNC International Limited is a leading Turnkey Medical Equipment Service and Solutions Company in Nigeria. Our competences are noticeable throughout the healthcare space in Nigeria as we constantly look to improve and provide quality and affordable solutions for desired need through our innovative strategies for solutions delivery.

TOFA Limited is a leading power solutions provider and electrical engineering firm, offering professional and cost-effective energy services. Our expertise spans independent power production (IPP), power rental, and power management solutions. We also deliver comprehensive EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services, equipment supply, and energy services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.