Nigeria will present its growing trade and investment opportunities at the upcoming Türkiye-Africa Economic and Business Forum, officials said Friday, as the West African nation seeks new partnerships to strengthen its economy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The forum, scheduled to take place in Istanbul next week, will bring together government officials, business leaders, and investors from across Africa and Türkiye. The goal is to expand trade links, encourage private-sector cooperation, and promote joint ventures between the two regions.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said the country will use the gathering to highlight opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and digital technology. Officials believe these areas have strong potential to attract Turkish investors and create new jobs at home.

“We are prepared to showcase Nigeria as a reliable destination for trade and investment,” Trade Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite said in a statement. “This forum provides a platform to deepen our economic ties with Türkiye and other African partners.”

Türkiye has been increasing its outreach to Africa in recent years. Trade between Türkiye and African nations reached more than $40 billion in 2024, according to Turkish government data, with Nigeria among its key partners. Nigerian exports to Türkiye include oil, gas, and agricultural products, while imports consist mainly of machinery, textiles, and household goods.

Analysts say the forum could help Nigeria diversify its trade relationships at a time when the government is seeking to move away from heavy reliance on crude oil. Oil sales still make up the majority of Nigeria’s foreign earnings, but the sector has struggled with declining production and global price fluctuations.

“Expanding ties with Türkiye and other fast-growing markets is a smart move for Nigeria,” said Lagos-based economist Musa Ibrahim. “It could open doors for manufacturing and technology investments, which are areas the country urgently needs to develop.”

Nigeria also hopes to learn from Türkiye’s experience in building strong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Turkish companies are known for their role in construction, textiles, and manufacturing — sectors that Nigeria is trying to strengthen in order to boost domestic production and reduce imports.

At the forum, Nigeria’s delegation is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish officials and private investors. Discussions are likely to focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, and the potential for direct investment in Nigerian factories and farms.

The Türkiye-Africa Economic and Business Forum was first launched in 2016 and has since become a regular platform for dialogue. It is organized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade in cooperation with the African Union. More than 40 African countries are expected to send representatives to this year’s edition.

Business groups in Nigeria have welcomed the government’s participation. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Turkish investment could help address Nigeria’s infrastructure gap and support new export industries.

“There are real opportunities for joint ventures in textiles, agriculture processing, and construction materials,” said chamber president Michael Olawale-Cole. “We encourage the government to ensure that agreements reached at the forum translate into practical projects.”

Nigeria’s engagement at the event comes as the government faces domestic pressure to create jobs and attract foreign capital. The International Monetary Fund recently urged Nigeria to improve its business climate, strengthen power supply, and simplify trade rules to draw more investment.

Officials say Nigeria’s participation in Istanbul will be more than symbolic. “We want concrete outcomes,” Minister Uzoka-Anite said. “Our aim is to secure partnerships that will boost exports, generate employment, and support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.”

As Nigeria positions itself as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to regional markets, its outreach to Türkiye signals a strategy to diversify partners beyond traditional Western allies. The forum could mark another step in shaping stronger South-South economic ties.