The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has urged foreign investors to seize the strategic opportunity of investing in Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s expansive 1.4 billion consumer market. Oye made the call in Germany during a keynote speech at the 3rd International B2B Conference organized by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, themed “The World Meets in Giessen.”
Addressing a cross-section of international investors and business leaders, Oye, who also serves as Chairman of the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria (OPSN), emphasized Nigeria’s critical position in the continent’s economic landscape, citing its diverse and dynamic economy, rapidly growing population, and its central role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Nigeria is not just Africa’s largest economy — it is its heartbeat. With a vibrant private sector, diverse economic landscape, and cultural richness drawn from over 250 ethnic groups, the country offers unparalleled access to continental trade,” he declared.
Highlighting key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, entertainment, and emerging technology, Oye noted that Nigeria is already home to five of Africa’s eight unicorn companies, demonstrating its prowess as a startup and innovation hub. The country’s creative industry, notably Nollywood — the world’s third-largest film industry — also showcases the immense cultural capital and economic potential Nigeria brings to the global stage.
He argued that with the full implementation of the AfCFTA, investors setting up shop in Nigeria stand to gain access to a single market of over 54 African countries with harmonized trade rules, reduced tariffs, and improved customs procedures.
“Choosing Nigeria as your investment destination is not just about location — it’s about influence,” he said. “Nigeria’s geographic and economic positioning allows investors to scale operations continent-wide from a single base.”
Oye further pointed out that Nigeria’s youthful population, increasing urbanisation, digital transformation, and ongoing reforms in ease of doing business make it a compelling choice for both portfolio and direct investments. These factors, he said, are creating fertile ground for long-term, high-return ventures across manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, agribusiness, and fintech.
He assured prospective investors that NACCIMA, through its national and regional chambers, stands ready to provide support in navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape and identifying viable partnerships.
“NACCIMA plays a vital role in connecting foreign investors with credible local partners, industry leaders, and policy influencers. We are committed to fostering an enabling environment for sustainable business development in Nigeria,” he added.
Oye also emphasized that Nigeria’s strategic reforms are already yielding results. Recent policy shifts, including the unification of exchange rates, digital trade initiatives, and infrastructure expansion, are positioning the country to lead intra-African trade flows under the AfCFTA.
“Nigeria is not just open for business — it is ready for transformation. If you are not engaging with Nigeria, you are missing out on one of the most rewarding investment landscapes in emerging markets today,” Oye said.
Calling Nigeria “the home of Afrobeat, Nollywood, and boundless entrepreneurial energy,” he encouraged global players to view the nation not only as a business destination but as a vibrant, culturally enriched economy at the forefront of Africa’s future.
In closing, Oye reaffirmed the commitment of NACCIMA and OPSN to strengthening public-private dialogue, streamlining investor support mechanisms, and enhancing the overall business climate.
“We are building bridges across continents. We invite you to cross them — into Nigeria, and into Africa’s economic future,” he concluded.
As global attention shifts towards Africa’s emerging markets, Nigeria’s pivotal role, supported by organizations like NACCIMA, is poised to attract increased interest from investors seeking strategic footholds in the continent’s next phase of economic evolution.