Lagos, Nigeria — Strengthening strategic partnerships between France and Nigeria in business, innovation, human capital development, research, and executive education took center stage at the France–Nigeria Business & Human Capital Development Forum held on June 24, 2026.
The forum, jointly convened by Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, and the French Embassy in Nigeria, brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, development finance institutions, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two countries.
A key session during the event focused on leadership development, executive education, skills enhancement, and academic exchange as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth and long-term impact.
Moderated by Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, the third plenary discussion featured contributions from Dr. John Onyebuchi of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Owonikoko David, Coordinator of Campus France Nigeria, Prudence Ogatcha, Community Manager of French Tech Lagos, and Victor Banjo, Executive Education Director at Lagos Business School.
Speaking during the session, Banjo highlighted the role of international exposure in developing adaptive and globally minded leaders. He noted that Lagos Business School launched its Global Immersion Programme to France in 2023 for participants in its Senior Management Programme (SMP), providing executives with experiential learning opportunities through direct engagement with leading institutions and organizations.
According to Banjo, the programme has been delivered successfully to three cohorts over the past three years, benefiting 72 executives with the support of the French Embassy in Nigeria.
Participants have undertaken industry visits to major French institutions and organizations, including the Banque de France, Deloitte France, STATION F, JLL Paris, Bpifrance, Allianz Trade, and the French Foreign Trade Advisors network.
The programme has also facilitated engagements with leading French academic institutions, including INSEAD, Sciences Po, and IPAG Business School, exposing executives to global best practices while encouraging the application of lessons to local challenges.
Banjo explained that the immersion programme has addressed key development issues such as energy transition, food security, healthcare, financial inclusion, smart cities, logistics, and climate resilience.
He noted that combining France’s expertise in management education, innovation, and institutional development with Nigeria’s entrepreneurial capacity and market potential creates opportunities to develop leaders capable of driving competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable economic transformation.
The forum was attended by France’s Ambassador to Nigeria and Representative to ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, alongside senior representatives of the French Embassy, French companies operating in Nigeria, government officials, academics, and private-sector stakeholders.
Participants emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between France and Nigeria in fostering leadership development, innovation, and shared prosperity amid evolving global economic challenges.