Nigeria and Indonesia are set to deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation as the Nigerian Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum (NIITF) holds its fifth edition in Jakarta from October 20 to 21, 2026.

The flagship forum, organised by the Nigerian Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), is receiving strategic support from the Office of the Vice President, which has mandated the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to coordinate relevant ministries, departments and agencies for active participation.

Held under the theme, “Building Continents, Building Prosperity: Solidifying Nigerian Indonesian Economic Partnership for Strategic Alliances and Shared Growth,” NIITF 2026 will bring together government officials, investors, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, development institutions and private-sector leaders from both countries.

The forum is designed to strengthen economic ties between two of the world’s major emerging markets while creating practical opportunities for investment, trade, technology transfer and industrial cooperation.

NIITF 2026 will form part of a three-part business and cultural experience, alongside Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026 and a tourism programme in Bali.

Trade Expo Indonesia, regarded as Indonesia’s leading international trade exhibition, recorded more than 41,000 visitors from over 140 countries and generated trade transactions valued at more than $22.8 billion in 2025, according to the organisers.

For Nigeria, the forum will provide an opportunity to showcase non-oil export opportunities, attract Indonesian investment, promote business matchmaking and strengthen partnerships across key sectors.

These include agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, logistics, healthcare, technology, oil and gas, fast-moving consumer goods, infrastructure, aviation and tourism.

The two countries have significant economic and demographic weight, with their combined population exceeding 550 million. Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, while Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest economies and a major consumer market.

Five years of bilateral engagement

Since its launch in 2022, NIITF has developed into a platform for connecting Nigerian and Indonesian businesses, government institutions, investors and development organisations.

Four editions have been held across Jakarta and Bali, with the 2024 edition taking place alongside the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali.

The forum has featured senior government, diplomatic and business figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Nigerian Ambassador to Indonesia Usman Ari Ogah; former Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria Usra Hendra Harahap; Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria Bambang Suharto; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; and Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of PEBEC.

Representatives from institutions and businesses including NEXIM Bank, KADIN Indonesia, the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Justrite Superstores, Sahara Energy International, Signature Global Real Estate, the Nigeria-São Tomé & Príncipe Joint Development Authority and Quaint Energy have also participated in previous editions.

The 2025 edition further expanded discussions around investment, business networking and strategic partnerships, including the signing of Memoranda of Understanding.

According to the organisers, previous editions have supported business matchmaking, investment discussions, promotion of Nigerian non-oil exports and collaboration between public and private-sector institutions.

The forum has also facilitated factory visits, industrial exposure programmes and Government-to-Government, Government-to-Business and Business-to-Business engagements.

Focus on investment and trade

NIITF 2026 comes as economic relations between Nigeria and Indonesia continue to attract attention, with bilateral trade reportedly reaching about $4.7 billion in 2025.

The organisers said the forum is intended to translate the economic potential of both countries into concrete commercial opportunities, particularly as businesses navigate a changing global economy and increased interest in South-South cooperation.

Participants are expected to have access to policymakers, investors, manufacturers, exporters and development finance institutions through panel sessions, investment presentations, strategic roundtables, networking sessions, business matchmaking and industrial visits.

Discussions will focus on sectors with significant opportunities for collaboration, including agriculture, renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, healthcare, aviation, oil and gas, the digital economy, FMCG and tourism.

The organisers said the ultimate objective is to generate investment, create jobs, support industrial development, increase exports and encourage technology and knowledge transfer between the two economies.

For Nigerian businesses, the forum also presents an opportunity to gain greater access to the Indonesian market and build relationships with potential investors, distributors and strategic partners.

For Indonesian businesses, it offers a platform to explore Nigeria’s large consumer market and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

As NIITF enters its fifth edition, organisers say the focus is shifting from dialogue to deeper commercial engagement, with the forum positioned as a platform for developing long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Indonesia.

The organisers described NIITF 2026 as more than a conference, but a gateway to markets, investment opportunities and strategic alliances, with activities spanning Jakarta and Bali.