Economy Energy Finance

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Investment Forum shows opportunities in West Africa

The forum gathered leaders in government, finance and business from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They unpacked ways that investment can improve farming and food security across West Africa.

 

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) hosted the event in Lome, Togo, from 4 to 5 April.

Togo Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé opened the forum, held under the theme ‘Transforming ECOWAS Communities in a Challenging Environment’.

She emphasized the need for a wide range of investment across human capital, energy, the digital economy, and infrastructure.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), spoke by video about how regional integration can strengthen investments.

Simon Tiemtore, President of Vista Group Holding, and Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative strategies to advance investment priorities.

Discussions during the forum addressed crucial topics such as food security, fortifying agricultural supply chains, and enhancing security in West Africa.

Panellists proposed strategies for tackling challenges in agriculture, underscoring the significance of cooperation and innovation for sustainable development.

They underscored major challenges around access to finance, which seriously affects small businesses, particularly for agribusinesses and young entrepreneurs. Among the solutions discussed were ways development finance institutions such as EBID could make facilitate access to loans.

This is one of the issues that the International Trade Centre (ITC) addresses with the ECOWAS Commission through the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP).

WACOMP facilitated the participation of nine investment promotion agencies from West Africa. These agencies showcased investment projects in their countries. The delegates engaged with business leaders on investments in critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure development, support to small businesses, energy and climate change.

Participants deliberated on concrete projects and investment opportunities, with a focus on fostering employment, financing infrastructure, and embracing climate-resilient energy solutions. Along with  ITC and the ECOWAS Commission, the delegation met with EBID management on how to strengthen collaboration to support the inflow of investment in the region.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy Investments Leisure

Canon Miraisha Programme Expands Collaboration With Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria to Empower Youth in Bariga and Makoko

post-image

Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com), the leading printing and imaging solutions provider, is pleased to announce the expansion of its inspiring collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at nurturing young talent. Building on the outstanding achievements of the previous year, in which 100 aspiring young students from Bariga in Lagos received training in photography and filmmaking, this year will see the initiative, under Canon’s Miraisha Programme, extend to Makoko community, one of the largest slum communities in Africa.

Embodying Canon’s corporate philosophy, “Kyosei”, which means living and working together for the common good, 120 young individuals from both communities will have the opportunity to receive photography and filmmaking training through a series of four comprehensive week-long workshops during March and April. This year’s increased participation rate, with an emphasis on gender balance, reflects Canon’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusive…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

7 Simple Ways to Get Paid on Time Without Chasing Customers

post-image

Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.

But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.

If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.

1….

Read More
Business Economy Investments

Nigeria Hosts Landmark International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja

post-image

In a historic move for the country’s digital and telecommunications landscape, Nigeria successfully hosted the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja last week. The summit, which focused on the protection and security of subsea cables, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). The event gathered key stakeholders from around the world to address the pressing issue of subsea cable security, a critical component of global internet infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria to host such a significant global event. Reflecting on the summit’s importance, Dr. Tijani emphasized, “The significance of the trust placed in us to host an event of this nature is not…

Read More
Business Economy Finance Fintech Security Society

CBN Joins Global Leaders in London to Celebrate Women in Central Banking

post-image

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment in the financial sector by participating in Citibank’s inaugural Women in Central Banking event. Held in London, United Kingdom, on March 10, 2025, the prestigious gathering brought together top female leaders from central banks, financial institutions, and policy-making bodies across the world in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event provided a significant platform to recognize the increasing role of women in shaping economic policies, financial regulations, and monetary stability across different regions. It also highlighted the progress made in breaking barriers for women in financial governance while addressing the ongoing challenges of gender disparity in leadership roles within the global financial ecosystem.

Distinguished Female Leaders in Attendance

Among the prominent financial experts and policymakers present at the event were:

Read More
Announcements Business Economy Events Finance Fintech Society Trends

Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) Set to Address Customer Experience in AI-Driven Payment Ecosystem

post-image

The highly anticipated Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) 2.0 is set to convene industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and key stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of digital payments, with a special focus on cybersecurity, trust, and regulatory compliance in the AI era.

PAFON 2.0, scheduled to take place on April 10, 2025 at the Function Room 1, Oriental Hotel, Lagos, builds on the success of its inaugural edition, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s premier platform for thought leadership in payments innovation.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, underscores the urgent need to safeguard digital transactions against emerging threats while ensuring seamless financial inclusion and innovation.

EBEHIJIE J. MOMOH, Chief Executive Officer, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited, has been scheduled to present the keynote.

Other Speakers | participants are drawn the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); e-Banking Heads;…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

FG Reinforces Commitment to Maritime Growth to Boost Coastal Trade, Job Creation

post-image

In a significant move to revitalize Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, provided this assurance during a weekend meeting in Abuja with the Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola. The discussions centered on fast-tracking the deployment of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the growth of indigenous shipping companies.

The meeting focused on unlocking financing for local shipowners, reinforcing the government’s commitment to expanding coastal trade, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global shipping industry. Key stakeholders emphasized the need for efficient utilization of the funds to ensure the CVFF delivers maximum impact and positions Nigeria’s maritime industry for long-term growth.

The renewed commitment to maritime sector development…

Read More
Business Culture

NDPC Strengthens Judicial Sector with Data Protection Workshop

post-image

In a significant step towards bolstering data protection awareness in Nigeria’s judicial sector, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has conducted a capacity-building workshop for Fellows and ICT staff of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The workshop follows a recent high-level visit by NDPC officials to the NJI, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing data privacy and security within the judiciary.

Speaking at the opening session, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed satisfaction with the swift implementation of this collaborative initiative. He underscored the crucial role of data protection and privacy for judicial officers and ICT professionals, emphasizing that safeguarding data is key to upholding the rights of Nigerian citizens.May be an image of 3 people and dais

Dr. Olatunji highlighted the workshop as a testament to Honourable Justice Salisu Garba…

Read More
Business Fintech Gadgets News Security Software Technology Technology Trends

ThinkCyber Introduces Specto+ to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Nigeria

post-image

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organizations in Nigeria are facing an urgent need to strengthen their defenses. Recognizing this challenge, ThinkCyber, a leading IT capacity-building firm specializing in cybersecurity, has introduced Specto, a powerful new security solution designed to help businesses protect their networks and stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Speaking about the new product, Mr. Uche, Country Manager of ThinkCyber, explained that Specto is not just another cybersecurity tool—it’s a game-changer for organizations looking to build stronger, smarter defenses against digital threats.

“Specto is a physical security appliance that blends seamlessly into an organization’s existing infrastructure. It’s designed to provide advanced network protection, helping IT teams detect and respond to cyber threats faster and more effectively,” Uche said.

One of the biggest challenges security teams face today is staying prepared for real-world cyberattacks. That’s why Specto includes powerful simulation capabilities, allowing organizations to test how well they can…

Read More