Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is exploring practical strategies for expanding trade, investment and long-term financing between Africa and Europe.
National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, led a delegation of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to a high-level Executive Round Table hosted by leading European financial institution, ODDO BHF, in collaboration with leading Nigerian law firm, Aluko & Oyebode, at The Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, to advance talks on strategic partnership, capital mobilisation, investment and trade between the two continents.
The National President was joined by Director General NACCIMA, Engr. Olusola Obadimu, FNSE, and National Digital Economy Coordinator, Dr. Segun H. Olugbile.
Themed “The Africa-Europe Trade and Investment Corridor: Where Capital Meets Opportunity”, the strategic luncheon brought together senior representatives of government, diplomacy, financial institutions and the private sector.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Florian Witt, Managing Director, International Banking, Member of the Group Business Executive Committee of ODDO BHF and Chair of the ICC Global Banking Commission.
Mr. Witt outlined ODDO BHF’s long-term commitment to carbon capture, reforestation and sustainable development in Africa, including a €200 million dedicated fund aimed at supporting sustainable forestry, community infrastructure and carbon-credit opportunities.
Some of the key outcomes of the deliberation include: recalibrating Africa’s risk perception with empirical data; rebuilding the Germany-Nigeria industrial and investment corridor; strengthening financial sovereignty and indigenous banking capacity; mobilising capital for digital infrastructure and data residency; expanding green finance and Africa’s climate transition; among others.
Speaking at the conclusion of the session, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, emphasised that changing global capital flows requires a deliberate “Push and Pull” strategy. According to him, while European financial institutions and investors provide the market pull, Nigerian businesses and institutions must proactively develop and present credible, bankable and investment-ready commercial pipelines capable of absorbing long-term capital.
The event underscored the importance of converting investor interest into structured transactions, supported by appropriate risk frameworks, credible project preparation, transparent governance and strong institutional partnerships.
NACCIMA, ODDO BHF and participating private-sector stakeholders agreed to advance discussions on the development of a dedicated ECA-backed Digital and Trade Infrastructure Financing Facility.
The proposed framework is intended to support strategic digital and trade infrastructure, manufacturing (excluding defence industries), agro-processing, solid minerals beneficiation, facilitate cross-border commerce, strengthen Nigeria’s participation in AfCFTA, and help close critical infrastructure gaps constraining industrial and economic growth.
NACCIMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with international financial institutions, development partners, government agencies and the organised private sector to transform Nigeria’s investment opportunities into bankable projects, productive capital and measurable economic outcomes.
