Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are set to explore new investment opportunities and financing options for Nigerian businesses and infrastructure projects at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
The two institutions will convene an Investment Partnership Lab on October 26, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in collaboration with the Boost Africa Project Team of the EIB.
The session will bring together government officials, development finance institutions, investors, private-sector representatives and development partners to discuss strategies for mobilising finance, technical assistance and strategic partnerships to stimulate economic growth.
Central to the engagement is Boost Africa, a joint initiative of the EIB and the African Development Bank (AfDB), with support from the European Union, designed to promote innovative African businesses through venture capital and technical assistance.
The initiative has secured more than €100 million in EIB investment commitments to venture capital funds supporting enterprises in technology, agribusiness, financial services, renewable energy and other emerging sectors.
It also seeks to leverage approximately €1 billion in investments across Africa, using development finance to attract additional private-sector funding and expand opportunities for businesses.
During the session, investment fund managers, beneficiary enterprises and European development institutions will share insights into the programme’s achievements, implementation experiences and prospects for expanding support to African entrepreneurs.
Discussions will also focus on strengthening venture capital markets, improving access to growth financing and technical support, and creating opportunities for greater participation by Nigerian businesses in European-backed investment programmes.
The Investment Partnership Lab will further highlight investment initiatives targeting productive-sector development, transport and trade infrastructure, alongside facilities designed to support project implementation.
Stakeholders will assess commercial prospects, cargo demand, project preparation requirements, regulatory considerations and potential financing arrangements for infrastructure projects.
The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and European development partners in converting development assistance into sustainable investments, expanding businesses, improving logistics and generating employment.
It also supports the objectives of the successor National Development Plan, 2026–2030, and Nigeria’s ambition to develop a $1 trillion economy.
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