In a significant move to solidify Nigeria’s position as a premier destination for global capital, President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday that Nigeria will co-host the Investopia summit alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this February in Lagos.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also finalized a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE. The pact is designed to catalyze deep-seated cooperation in renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure.
The signing ceremony featured high-level representation from both nations, including UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
President Tinubu characterized the CEPA as a “historic and strategic” milestone. He noted that the agreement would bridge gaps in critical sectors, such as treamlining movement between West Africa and the Gulf, enhancing food security through technology sharing and uilding resilient systems for a changing environment.
“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” the President stated.
Addressing the global summit, President Tinubu outlined an ambitious goal to mobilize $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance. He used the platform to advocate for a “fundamental shift” in how the world funds development in the Global South.
Move away from sovereign guarantees: Arguing that they unfairly penalize developing nations.
Focus on Blended Finance: Encouraging private capital to flow into green projects via first-loss capital mechanisms.
The President noted that Nigeria’s aggressive economic reforms are beginning to yield measurable data. He pointed to a 21% growth in non-oil exports and over $50 billion in new investment commitments across various sectors.
To support this growth, the administration has launched a $500 million renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
A $750 million World Bank program aimed at providing clean electricity to 17.5 million citizens.
Reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the Energy Transition Plan, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria remains on track for net-zero emissions by 2060. He specifically invited investors to explore Nigeria’s lithium and critical minerals, emphasizing that the government now prioritizes local processing over the export of raw materials.
The upcoming Investopia in Lagos is expected to serve as the primary vehicle for turning these high-level discussions into signed contracts and physical projects.
