Two important economies. Leading voices from business and government. A shared commitment to expanding trade, investment and economic opportunity. The France–Nigeria Business Forum 2026 brings together decision-makers from both countries to strengthen commercial relationships, explore new opportunities and advance investments that deliver lasting economic value.
The relationship between France and Nigeria is increasingly defined by enterprise, investment and shared economic interests. Since 2021, the France–Nigeria Business Council has helped turn senior-level engagement into practical results, including the establishment of licensed Nigerian banking operations in Paris, growing energy trade and new investment and cultural partnerships. The 2026 Forum builds on that foundation, bringing the relationship to Lagos with a clear emphasis on opportunities that can be translated into action.
The Council’s work has helped build a practical bridge between the two economies.
The Forum’s five strategic priorities reflect areas where the strengths of France and Nigeria can be brought together to generate commercial opportunity and lasting economic value.
Industrial development offers opportunities for French and Nigerian businesses to expand production, increase local value addition and strengthen supply chains.
The Forum will explore partnerships in manufacturing, industrial infrastructure, technology transfer and production capabilities, with particular attention to investment, competitiveness and employment.
Services play an increasingly important role in modern economies and international trade.
The Forum will consider opportunities to deepen cooperation in financial services, transport, logistics, tourism, hospitality, professional services and the creative economy.
The emphasis will be on improving market access, developing new commercial relationships and strengthening the services that enable business growth.
Technology is creating new opportunities for businesses to grow, compete and reach international markets. France and Nigeria have complementary capabilities in digital technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Forum will explore collaboration in digital infrastructure, financial technology, artificial intelligence and enterprise innovation, with a focus on practical applications, productivity and investment.
Agriculture presents substantial opportunities for investment, productivity improvements and value addition.
The Forum will examine partnerships across agricultural production, processing, storage, logistics and exports. It will also consider how financing, technology and better market connections can help enterprises improve competitiveness and expand access to regional and international markets.
Sustained economic development requires productive investment, modern infrastructure, skilled people and institutions capable of supporting enterprise.
The Forum will consider how public and private capital, development finance and cross-border institutional cooperation can address investment needs and support long-term growth. Particular attention will be given to financing commercially viable projects and strengthening the environment for private-sector investment.
Nigeria’s economic transformation presents opportunities to expand productive investment, strengthen industrial capabilities, develop modern infrastructure and accelerate innovation.
The France–Nigeria Business Forum also builds on the momentum generated by the Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya in Nairobi on 11–12 May 2026.
The Summit placed economic partnership at the centre of a renewed relationship between France and African countries. Its agenda addressed industrialisation, innovation, agriculture, digital infrastructure, investment and development finance.
The Lagos Forum seeks to advance these principles through a focused bilateral relationship. Its purpose is to identify where French and Nigerian enterprises can invest together, combine capabilities and create lasting commercial value.
Identify new opportunities for investment, market access, exports and cross-border commercial activity.
Bring together enterprises, investors and institutions capable of developing and financing commercially viable opportunities.
Encourage specific investment projects, commercial agreements and sustained engagement that deliver long-term economic value.
President of the French Republic
Chairman, France–Nigeria Business Council
President and Chief Executive, Dangote Group
The programme will bring together senior leaders from business, government and investment institutions for focused discussions on the future of France–Nigeria economic cooperation.
Registration, security screening and delegate access.
Welcome remarks and the opening of the France–Nigeria Business Forum 2026.
Moderated conversations exploring opportunities across the Forum’s strategic priorities.
Advancing production, value addition, competitiveness and investment.
Expanding market access, strengthening innovation and developing new commercial opportunities.
Mobilising capital, financing projects and improving the conditions for sustainable economic growth.
A proposed high-level conversation addressing the future of France–Nigeria economic cooperation, investor confidence and the role of business in delivering shared prosperity.
Subject to confirmation of presidential participation and protocol arrangements.
Reflections on the principal themes of the Forum, emerging commercial opportunities and areas for further engagement.
Opportunities for further interaction among delegates, business leaders and institutional representatives, subject to accreditation and protocol arrangements.
The full programme, speakers and session timings will be published following final confirmation.
The Forum will bring together senior leaders and representatives of institutions engaged in trade, investment and economic cooperation between France and Nigeria.
To express your interest in attending, please complete the registration form.
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A Lasting Partnership. A Shared Economic Future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lagos.