The Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has concluded its maiden Executive Paris Leadership Training Programme and Business Mission, aimed at strengthening business leadership, fostering international partnerships and enhancing economic cooperation between France and Nigeria.

The week-long programme, held in Paris recently brought together senior executives and business leaders from sectors including fintech, energy, oil and gas, maritime services, hospitality and enterprise development.

Organised in partnership with Bodik France and certified by Paris Graduate School, the initiative provided participants with executive-level training, strategic networking opportunities and direct engagement with institutions driving economic collaboration between Europe and Africa.

The programme, themed “Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation: Project Funding, Digital Transformation, and Resilience,” focused on equipping Nigerian business leaders with practical tools to navigate emerging global challenges, including technological disruption, sustainability demands, financing constraints and changing market dynamics.

Participants attended intensive sessions on leadership development, organisational transformation, digital innovation, project financing and business resilience. Discussions explored how companies can adapt to rapidly evolving economic conditions while remaining competitive in international markets.

A major component of the training centred on the growing role of artificial intelligence in business operations. Delegates examined practical applications of AI across industries such as financial technology, logistics, manufacturing, customer service, energy management and data analytics.

The programme also highlighted sustainability as a key driver of future business growth. Participants were exposed to global sustainability frameworks, climate-conscious business models and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards increasingly required by investors and regulators.

Recognising the financing challenges faced by many African businesses, the organisers included sessions on international funding structures, investor expectations and strategies for developing bankable projects. The training provided insights into accessing capital for expansion projects, infrastructure development, technology upgrades and sustainability initiatives.

Beyond the classroom, the Nigerian delegation engaged with several influential organisations and institutions, including the Conseil Français des Investisseurs en Afrique (CIAN), Paris Ouest Business Club, the Delegation of the European Union to the OECD and UNESCO, the Nigerian Embassy in France and other stakeholders within the French business ecosystem.

The instructional sessions were facilitated by leadership experts Marie-Noële Schwartzmann and Idowu Ajayi, who led discussions on global best practices, innovation and executive leadership.

One of the highlights of the mission was a strategic engagement with CIAN, a leading French private-sector organisation representing companies investing across Africa. The Nigerian delegation met with CIAN Chairman Étienne Giros, Secretary General Stephen Decam, Chief Executive Officer Sandrine Sorieul and representatives of Business France’s Africa Desk.

During the meeting, discussions focused on investment opportunities, private-sector collaboration and strengthening economic ties between France and Nigeria.

Representing FNCCI President Guillaume Niarfeix, Director General, FNCCI, Moses Umoru presented the chamber’s activities and achievements in promoting bilateral trade and investment relations.

He highlighted the growing economic partnership between both countries, noting that French investments in Nigeria were estimated at approximately $4.7 billion by the end of 2025.

Participants described the direct interactions with investors, policymakers and business leaders as among the most valuable aspects of the mission, providing insights into emerging investment trends, regulatory developments and opportunities for future partnerships.

The delegation also acknowledged the contributions of organisations such as Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Business France and the support of Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos, in advancing commercial cooperation between both nations.

Speaking on the outcome of the initiative, FNCCI said the inaugural programme successfully combined executive education with business diplomacy, creating new opportunities for investment, innovation and collaboration.

The chamber added that the programme demonstrated the importance of international exposure, strategic networking and leadership development in preparing Nigerian businesses to compete in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

According to FNCCI, the Paris mission has laid a strong foundation for deeper Franco-Nigerian economic engagement and future partnerships that could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s diversification and competitiveness agenda.