H.E. Emmanuel Macron
President of the French Republic
France-Nigeria Business Council
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.
A Partnership Built for Progress
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 Relationship at a Glance
2021 France–Nigeria Business Council established US$4.7 billion reported bilateral trade in 2025 10 Business Council meetings held by May 2026 2 Nigerian banking groups with licensed Paris branches 5 Strategic priorities for the Lagos Forum
From Dialogue to Delivery
The Council’s work has helped build a practical bridge between the two economies. Access Bank launched its licensed Paris branch on 11 May 2023, followed by Zenith Bank on 27 November 2024. Two further applications by Nigerian banks are in progress. Commercial links are also deepening through exports of refined petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos to European markets, including supplies to French oil companies, while a second Alliance Française complex in Abuja, sponsored by Council member Dr Mike Adenuga, is expected to break ground in 2026. The 2026 Forum will build on this record of delivery, creating the next generation of partnerships, investments and commercial opportunities.
Five Priorities for Shared Growth
Strategic Priorities
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.
01
Industry
Building Competitive Industries 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. Key themes: Manufacturing, infrastructure, industrial investment, technology transfer, local production and supply chains.
02
Services
Connecting Businesses and Markets 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. Key themes: Finance, transport, logistics, tourism, hospitality, professional services and the creative economy.
03
Technology
Accelerating Innovation and Productivity 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. Key themes: Digital infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and technology investment.
04
Agriculture
Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains 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. Key themes: Agribusiness, food processing, storage, agricultural technology, logistics, financing and exports.
05
Economic Development
Financing Long-Term Growth 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. Key themes: Investment finance, infrastructure, skills, enterprise development, public- private cooperation and economic resilience.
Why Lagos? Why Now?
Nigeria's economic transformation presents opportunities to expand productive investment, strengthen industrial capabilities, develop modern infrastructure and accelerate innovation. At the same time, French businesses and investors have expertise, technology and capital that can contribute to these priorities. The Lagos Forum will examine how both countries can make better use of these complementary strengths, address obstacles to investment and develop new commercial opportunities. It offers a timely opportunity to strengthen a relationship that is increasingly defined by shared economic interests and practical cooperation.
Building on Africa Forward 2026
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 Nairobi Declaration called for stronger productive capacity, greater value addition, co-investment and partnerships that recognise African economies as participants in production and innovation, not simply as markets.
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.
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 Nairobi Declaration called for stronger productive capacity, greater value addition, co-investment and partnerships that recognise African economies as participants in production and innovation, not simply as markets.
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.
Programme
Programme Agenda
Programme coming soon.
Featured Voices
Speakers
Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Chairman, France–Nigeria Business Council
Alhaji Aliko Dangote,
President and Chief Executive, Dangote Group
Join Us in Lagos
France–Nigeria Business Forum 2026
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.
Registration Form
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Important Information
- Registration is subject to confirmation and the Forum’s accreditation, security and protocol arrangements.
- Information provided during registration must correspond with the identification document presented at accreditation.
- Confirmed delegates will receive further details on arrival procedures, badge collection, event access and the final programme.
What the Forum Seeks to Achieve
• Expand Trade and Investment • Identify new opportunities for investment, market access, exports and cross-border commercial activity. • Strengthen Business Partnerships • Bring together enterprises, investors and institutions capable of developing and financing commercially viable opportunities. • Advance Tangible Outcomes • Encourage specific investment projects, commercial agreements and sustained engagement that deliver long-term economic value.
Event Countdown
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The Forum is now underway.
A Lasting Partnership. A Shared Economic Future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lagos.