The Federal Government has extended an open invitation to global investors, encouraging them to tap into Nigeria’s growing economic potential and positioning the nation as a strategic entry point into Africa’s next wave of development and innovation.
Speaking at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference in New York, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, described Nigeria as a country undergoing transformative reforms aimed at unlocking long-term investment opportunities and fostering sustainable growth.
She highlighted Nigeria’s active engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark initiative designed to boost intra-African trade, industrialization, and regional value chains. Through AfCFTA, she noted, tariffs on 90% of goods traded within Africa will be gradually eliminated, opening vast new markets for businesses and investors alike.
Nigeria’s pivotal role in AfCFTA, she said, enhances its attractiveness in critical sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, mining, digital technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
“Nigeria is not looking for handouts or quick capital inflows—we’re pursuing strategic partnerships that support our long-term development goals and recognize Africa as the next frontier for sustainable investment,” Uzoka-Anite stated.
She also spotlighted the country’s thriving startup ecosystem, calling it one of the most dynamic in Africa. Key areas of opportunity include fintech, agritech, edtech, healthtech, and logistics. The Federal Government, she added, is supporting this ecosystem through regulatory reforms, improved access to funding, and initiatives to grow local talent.
“Our goal is to build an innovation-friendly environment that empowers early-stage businesses to grow and scale,” she said.
The Minister further emphasized the government’s broader investment reforms, including infrastructure upgrades and streamlined trade procedures, aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing competitiveness.
“Nigeria’s policy direction is clear—we are open for business and ready to engage meaningfully with serious investors,” she declared.
Nigeria’s presence at the Milken Institute Global Conference—an influential gathering of leaders across finance, technology, government, and philanthropy—reflects the country’s renewed drive to attract high-quality investments and establish itself as a central economic force in Africa.
