It was a dynamic gathering of visionaries, investors and innovators that are eager to drive growth and spark change at the just concluded Abuja Business and Investment Summit with the theme “Optimising Investments Through Partnerships” which happens to be the first of its kind hosted by the Abuja Investments Company Limited under the leadership of the Group Managing Director, H.E. Ambassador Maureen Tamuno. The summit was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre from the 16th-18th of October 2024 in the FCT.
The Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), is a leading business development and investment company that is spearheading economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wholly owned by FCT administration, AICL facilities business partnerships offers due diligence and provides advisory services to drive Investment opportunities with a vision to become a world-class globally competitive firm.
The honorable minister of the Federal Capital Territory, H.E. Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was the Special Guest Of Honour, The honorable minister of state F.C.T, Honorable DR. Mahmoud Mariya as guest of honour, and H.E. Prof. Charles Chukuma Soludo the Governor of Anambra State as the keynote speaker.
With focus on the following 10 key areas;
1) Infrastructural Development
2) Technology and Innovation
3) Healthcare Services
4) Agriculture and Agribusiness
5) Renewable Energy
6) Tourism and Hospitality
7) Creative, Sport and Entertainment
8) Financial Services
9) Manufacturing and Industrialization
10) Environmental Sustainability.
The Summit was kick started by an insightful and thought provoking speech by the keynote speaker, ultimately urging us to deliberately promote domestic resource.
There was a line up of thought provoking plenary sessions;
Day One
The first panel conversation was centered around infrastructural development in Abuja, exploring the pivotal role infrastructure plays in driving the growing of the FCT.
The second panel conversation focused on the importance of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an effective means of delivering infrastructure and services, with attention on the benefits, challenges and success stories of PPPs through various sectors in Abuja and beyond.
Day Two
The first panel discussion was on leveraging Technology for Economic Growth, with a focal point on the role of government in supporting a tech-enabled economy and the potential foe job creation.
Second panel discussion was geared towards Investment opportunities in the entertainment industry, the panelists addressed the issues of funding gaps, intellectual property issues and the infrastructural needs to sustain the sectors growth.
After the networking break,
The third panel commenced and it centered on Navigating the Regulatory Environment, discussions were held on the regulatory landscape in Abuja, how government policies can the regulated to foster investment and economic growth.
AICL was thanked immensely for considering the entertainment industry.
The Fourth panel which was rather a passion filled session was on Investment in Agriculture as it is considered the bedrock of our society, the discussion was centered on how investment in agriculture coupled with innovative farming techniques and improved value chain can boost productivity and job creation. Also how agritech solutions can modernize farming and enhance food security.
Day three (final)
Which was a day to focus on women, seeing as this is not only a premier event hosted by the AICL, it is also the first time that the firm is being lead by a woman with outstanding results to show in 6months it was only fair that women had to a day.
The conversation was on Women’s Development and Economic Empowerment, seeing as women own 37% of businesses in Nigeria but face significant barriers in accessing capital and resources focus was on how investing in women-led enterprises can fuel inclusive economic growth with solutions like inclusive financial models and government policies that support women entrepreneurs.
The second panel saw inspiring talks from influential women leaders on business and leadership, sharing their personal journies in breaking barriers in entrepreneurship and leadership. With insights on mentorship, networking and overcoming challenges in male dominated industries with the aim to inspire women to Purdue leadership roles and advocate for better representation in business and politics.
The third panel conversation was on Impact Investing.
The discussion focused on how Nigeria can leverage impact investing to drive development in sectors like healthcare, education and agriculture. Also how gender-lens investing can empower women-led businesses, with panelists sharing success stories of impact full investment.
