As the lights went down on the second edition of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo 2025, participants called for the creation of a more supportive environment for women and youth, stressing the importance of enhanced access to finance, technology, and policy support.

Speaking at the three-day international event, which was held at the President Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the participants challenged investors and policymakers to redefine investment and create opportunities for women and youth.

They emphasised that inclusive economic growth cannot be achieved without empowering women and young people, who constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s productive population.

According to several speakers, many talented entrepreneurs are unable to scale their businesses due to limited access to funding and technological infrastructure. Participants therefore urged financial institutions to design gender-sensitive loan schemes and called on the government to implement policies that promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship among youth and women.

Convened by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), the summit drew more than 1,000 high-level participants from 40 countries, including global investors, policymakers, diplomats, financiers, industry leaders, and innovators.

Delivering her keynote address on Friday, former Vice President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Joice Mujuru, celebrated the progress of women’s empowerment in Africa, citing examples of women in leadership positions in Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Represented by the Director of Communications, Sheroes Foundation, Katherine Duncan-Odukoya, she emphasised the importance of sustained commitment to gender equality, urging governments and private sector stakeholders to invest in initiatives that promote women’s participation in business and governance.

“But I must say this with honesty and conviction. Women need to be told that they are free. Too many have lived under suppression for so long that they do not even realise the power they now hold. Freedom is not only about making policies; it’s about your perception after empowerment, after education, after legislation, comes realisation.

“We must awaken women to know, women, you are now free to lead. I release you to innovate, to claim your space, to define your destiny, because an open door means little if no one knows to walk through that door,” she said.

At a plenary session titled ‘Educating Women: Future Skills Development for a Competitive Society’, panellists including the Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Princess Layo Okeowo; High Court Judge in Borno State, Justice Aishatu Mohammed; Vice-Chancellor, Baze University, Prof. Jamaila Shu’ara; first female Professor of Economics from Northern Nigeria, Prof. Ummu Jalingo; and Secretary General, Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Bolaji Ojibara, shared insights on the transformative role of education in empowering women to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

They emphasised the need to bridge gender gaps in access to quality education, promote mentorship and digital literacy among young women, and align educational curricula with emerging skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The panellists also called for stronger policy support and societal commitment to ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of innovation and national development.

On the second day of the event, dedicated to youth and themed “How Young Entrepreneurs Are Disrupting Traditional Sectors,” speakers called for greater institutional support and policy reforms to help young innovators scale their ideas and compete globally.

Participants emphasised the need for improved access to venture capital, mentorship, and digital infrastructure, noting that young entrepreneurs are driving transformation across industries such as agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and creative arts.

They also urged the government and private sector to collaborate in building innovation hubs and business incubation centres that can nurture emerging talent. According to them, young Nigerians are already demonstrating ingenuity and resilience, but their impact remains limited by inadequate funding and inconsistent regulatory frameworks.

Speakers included renowned actor and producer, Jim Iyke; filmmaker and music producer, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skills; Founder, Vodi Group, Seyi Vodi; British-Nigerian actor, artist, and scriptwriter, Bruce Oshak; celebrity carpenter and entrepreneur, Moses Amiebenomo; and musician and actress, Amb. OJ Poscharella, among others.

They shared their experiences on how they moved from zero to hero, highlighting the challenges, sacrifices, and determination that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys. Each speaker recounted personal stories of rejection, financial struggles, and the perseverance required to transform ideas into thriving ventures. They encouraged young people to embrace creativity, consistency, and integrity as key ingredients for success in today’s competitive business landscape.

Jim Iyke spoke about the importance of reinvention and adaptability in the entertainment industry, urging youths to constantly upgrade their skills and leverage digital platforms to reach global audiences.

Similarly, JJC Skills and OJ Poscharella emphasised collaboration and innovation, noting that success often comes from building strong networks and seizing emerging opportunities in the creative economy.

Other speakers, including Seyi Vodi and Moses Amiebenomo, underscored the value of hard work, craftsmanship, and brand authenticity. They advised aspiring entrepreneurs to remain focused despite setbacks and to view challenges as stepping stones towards growth.

The panellists agreed that with discipline, vision, and the right ecosystem of support, young Nigerians can continue to redefine industries and contribute meaningfully to national development.

In her address, the convener of the summit and Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, commended the participants for their active engagement and innovative contributions throughout the event. She noted that the Abuja Business and Investment Expo was conceived as a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Amb. Tamuno emphasised that empowering women and youth remains at the heart of the company’s vision, as they represent the most dynamic and resourceful segments of society. She reaffirmed AICL’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through strategic partnerships, investment facilitation, and access to capacity-building opportunities.

She also conveyed deep appreciation to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast dedication to developing a smart and investment-friendly capital city.