Abuja, Nigeria — October 24, 2025, The grand finale of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIS) 2025 concluded yesterday, October 24, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, wrapping up three impactful days of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration that charted a new course for sustainable development and economic inclusion in Africa.
With the theme “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets,” the Expo brought together global and local leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to drive forward conversations on investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Convened by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency, Amb. Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno, the first female Group Managing Director (GMD) of the company, the 2025 edition reaffirmed AICL’s mission to position Abuja as a leading hub for business, investment, and innovation.
She leads AICL with a strong focus on economic development and strategic investment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a commitment that continues to drive growth, attract investors, and empower communities.
Day 3: Women in Business and Impact Investment Day — A Celebration of Leadership and Inclusion
The final day of the Expo, themed “Women in Business and Impact Investment Day,” spotlighted the critical role of women in shaping economic transformation, fostering innovation, and leading impactful enterprises across Africa.
In her welcome remarks, Amb. Dr. Maureen Tamuno emphasized that:
“Gender balance is not just a woman’s issue; it is a developmental issue.”
Her message set the tone for a day filled with thought-provoking discussions, high-level panels, and goodwill messages celebrating women’s leadership and empowerment.
A major highlight was the appearance of the legendary Joke Silva, a beacon of creativity, resilience, and advocacy, who inspired participants with her reflections on leadership and purpose-driven impact.
The Female Founders Showcase followed, offering a vibrant platform for women entrepreneurs to share their stories, business models, and innovations shaping the future of African enterprise.
The day also featured two highly engaging panel discussions:
1. Educating Women for the Future: Skills Development for a Competitive Economy – moderated by Hansafu Adegbite, National Consultant on Private Sector Partnerships with UN Women, this panel examined the skills, education, and mentorship structures needed to equip women for leadership and success in a rapidly changing economy.
2.Women’s Economic Power: Policies and Pathways – moderated by Kimberly Blessing Nwanchukwu, Programme Manager, Nigeria Info FM Abuja, the session explored the role of gender-responsive policies and strategic investment frameworks in advancing women’s economic participation.
Goodwill messages also poured in from distinguished guests and dignitaries, including:
• Hon. Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by Barr. Asmahu Muktar, Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs;
• Dr. Joice Mujuru, former Vice President of Zimbabwe, represented by Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Odukoya, Director of Communications, Shores Foundation; and
• Mrs. Florence Okonkwo, Transportation Secretary, FCT.
Each goodwill message underscored the importance of investing in women as a strategic pathway toward inclusive and sustainable development.
A Three-Day Journey of Vision, Collaboration, and Impact
The Expo officially opened on October 22, with Dr. Maureen Tamuno delivering a visionary welcome address that underscored the need for synergy between government and private enterprise to unlock Africa’s vast potential through innovation and collaboration.
His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), served as Chief Host, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that supports both local and foreign investors.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Honourable Minister of State, FCT, was also celebrated for her dedication to inclusive governance and community-driven growth.
A major highlight of Day 1 was the Keynote Address by Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., who emphasized that entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible investment remain key pillars for Africa’s sustainable future.
Day 2: Innovation, Collaboration, and Economic Transformation
Building on the momentum of Day 1, the second day spotlighted Abuja’s potential as a dynamic hub for innovation and investment. Sessions explored critical sectors such as technology, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and real estate—industries essential to Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
Panel sessions covered vital topics such as:
• Technology & Digital Economy: Harnessing fintech, AI, and digital transformation to drive growth.
• Renewable Energy & Green Investments: Promoting sustainable energy and climate-smart innovation.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Unlocking infrastructure development for smart cities and housing.
• Human Capital Development: Preparing the workforce for emerging industries.
The Expo Zone remained a hub of energy and innovation, where entrepreneurs and startups pitched groundbreaking ideas to investors, forging partnerships and collaborations that promise to fuel the next phase of economic growth.
Empowering the Future — AICL’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth
Over three remarkable days, the Abuja Business and Investment Expo 2025 delivered on its promise to empower sustainable growth, unlock investment opportunities, and inspire collaboration. With its blend of keynote sessions, exhibitions, and networking engagements, the summit reinforced Abuja’s growing prominence as a center for opportunity and progress.
As the curtains fell, one message resonated above all: sustainable growth thrives on inclusion, innovation, and partnership.
Under the leadership of Amb. Dr. Maureen Tamuno, AICL remains committed to driving Abuja’s transformation into a thriving, future-ready economic hub that embodies Nigeria’s spirit of creativity, resilience, and enterprise.
by Blessing Bliss Chukwumal