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By Ihotu Uriel
📍Abuja | Media Report
Nigeria has officially unveiled plans for the World Investment Summit Abuja 2026, positioning the country as a prime destination for global capital and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at a world press conference held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the Director-General and Convener-General of the Summit, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, described the initiative as a major step in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said Nigeria is undergoing a bold economic transformation driven by key reforms, including exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, and large-scale infrastructure investments across energy, transport, and digital sectors.
According to him, these policies are already restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s standing as Africa’s largest economy.
He added that the summit will serve as a global platform bringing together governments, investors, and industry leaders to unlock investment opportunities, drive policy dialogue, and promote sustainable development.
The event is expected to attract over 8,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, global CEOs, and financial institutions, with projected outcomes exceeding $500 billion in investment pledges, alongside the establishment of a World Investment Bank and an Investment and Innovation Hub in Abuja.
Dr. Sterling Elis Highlights Financial Market Reforms
Also speaking, Financial Recruitment Specialist from the University of New York Orleans, Dr. Sterling Elis, emphasized the need for Africa to unlock value from its vast natural resources through structured financial systems.
He proposed the establishment of an African Mercantile Exchange, which would enable digital trading across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, petroleum, and commodities.
According to him, such a platform would enhance price discovery, risk management, transparency, and efficiency, allowing African nations to maximize returns from their natural endowments.
Dr. Elis stressed that without structured exchanges and standardized contracts, Africa risks losing value in global markets.
He noted that the proposed system would operate on a 24-hour global trading platform, generating significant revenue for participating countries through transaction fees and improved market access.
He further advocated for the creation of an African Investment Bank, working in alignment with the proposed World Investment Bank, to provide the financial capacity required for large-scale investments across the continent.
Dr. Elis expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve a $1 trillion economy within the next decade, driven by coordinated investment strategies, strong leadership, and increased participation in global financial markets.
He also highlighted the critical role of power and infrastructure, noting that sustainable industrial growth in Africa depends heavily on long-term investment in energy systems.
Global Engagement and Strategic Positioning
As part of efforts to boost investor confidence ahead of the summit, Nigeria plans to engage global financial markets through ceremonial participation at major international stock exchanges.
The summit will focus on critical sectors including energy, agriculture, digital economy, climate finance, and infrastructure, while also addressing global challenges such as food security, health, and sustainable development.
It is expected to culminate in the Abuja Declaration, a framework aimed at strengthening global investment cooperation.
Stakeholders Highlight Economic Impact
Experts note that hosting the summit will deliver wide-ranging benefits, including increased foreign direct investment, job creation, enhanced global visibility, and improved business climate.
The initiative is also expected to stimulate policy reforms, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.
With the World Investment Summit Abuja 2026, Nigeria is making a strong statement about its readiness to lead Africa’s economic transformation and attract global investment at scale.
Stakeholders say the summit represents a defining moment for the country to convert reforms into tangible economic growth and long-term prosperity.
