By Chesa Chesa
Nigeria is positioning itself as a premier global investment destination as it prepares to host the World Investment Summit (WIS) 2026, with organisers projecting over $500 billion in investment pledges and landmark international partnerships.
Speaking at a world press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Tuesday, Director-General/Convener-General of the summit, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, said the event marks a turning point in Nigeria’s economic trajectory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The summit, scheduled for June 24 to 26 in Abuja, is expected to draw about 8,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, global CEOs, investors, and development partners from across the world.
Describing the briefing as “a declaration of intent,” Adeyemi Matthew said Nigeria is entering a new era of economic openness and strategic positioning for large-scale global investment.
He highlighted key reforms by the Tinubu administration, including exchange rate unification, removal of fuel subsidy, fiscal and monetary restructuring, and expanded infrastructure investments. According to him, these measures have begun to restore investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s growth outlook.
“These reforms are already yielding results. Nigeria’s growth trajectory is strengthening, and the country is reclaiming its position as Africa’s most dynamic economy,” he said.
The summit, he explained, is designed as a high-level global platform to connect governments, private sector leaders, and financial institutions, while addressing pressing global investment challenges such as food security, energy transition, climate change, and sustainable finance.
Among its key features are 15 thematic tracks covering areas such as gender equality, youth development, public-private partnerships, and investment facilitation. A special segment will also focus on climate finance in alignment with global sustainability goals.
Adeyemi Matthew disclosed that high-profile global participation is expected, including representatives from major economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside international organisations and institutional investors.
In a bid to boost investor confidence ahead of the summit, he revealed that Nigeria’s delegation, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, will participate in ceremonial closing bell ringings across major global stock exchanges, including New York, London, Shanghai, and Frankfurt.
He said the initiative is intended to signal transparency, market readiness, and Nigeria’s commitment to global financial integration.
The organisers also outlined ambitious outcomes for the summit, including the launch of a World Investment Platform, the establishment of a World Investment Bank headquartered in Nigeria, and the creation of an Investment and Innovation Hub in Abuja. At least 200 public-private partnership deals are also expected to emerge from the event.
Adeyemi Matthew noted that hosting the summit would deliver wide-ranging benefits for Nigeria, including increased foreign direct investment, job creation, enhanced global reputation, and improved policy dialogue.
He added that the event aligns with the federal government’s target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, leveraging Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The World Investment Summit Abuja 2026 is our platform to transform Renewed Hope into tangible global investment and shared prosperity,” he said even as he called on investors, governments, and global stakeholders to seize the opportunity to partner with Nigeria.
