Representatives of the Nigerian government held important business partnership meetings with U.S. companies to identify and exploit investment opportunities for Nigerian companies.
The US-Nigeria Executive Roundtable was held at the St. Regis Hotel in conjunction with the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
Vice President Kassim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation, which included figures from key sectors. The American Business Association of Nigeria organized the conference in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce, building on the momentum of last year’s event celebrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Nasdaq.
Kendra Gaither, president of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, struck a positive note, highlighting Nigeria’s vast investment potential. “The resilience and innovation of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is driving impressive economic growth and job creation for millions of young people,” she said.
Also, Nisha Biswal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), detailed important financing initiatives designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economic situation.
She announced a $200 million loan to the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Corporation to improve affordable housing for middle- and low-income citizens.
Biswal also announced a $100 million loan plan to First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to support women-owned small businesses and a $20 million commitment to strengthen the agricultural sector. .
Vice President Shettima praised these efforts and emphasized the importance of investing in women. “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” he emphasized, emphasizing the great impact these investments have on society.
The roundtable included an engaging Q&A session where attendees were able to interact directly with Shettima and share updates on various projects. TGI Vice Chairman Farouk Gumel pointed to the benefits of U.S. investment, citing the $200 million DFC facility, which has greatly supported local small and medium-sized businesses.
Google’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Policy, Charles Murito, updated Shettima on Google’s plans to empower women through digital skills training. The company aims to train 20,000 women and revealed that 5,000 have already completed training in Kaduna.
In conclusion, Vice President Shettima made a persuasive appeal to American companies: We offer unparalleled investment opportunities and serve as your gateway to African markets. ” He assured potential investors of Nigeria’s stability and profitability, strengthened by the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
The strategic meeting demonstrated a renewed commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for U.S. investment and building a strong economic partnership that promises mutual growth.
