Diaspora Investment Summit: Boosting entrepreneurship, sealing business deals
The 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has been a catalyst for empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs and facilitating key business transactions, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In her remarks on the summit’s impact, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the platform’s role in bridging the gap between the Nigerian diaspora and local businesses. She noted that the event has consistently fostered innovation, attracted investment, and created opportunities for collaboration.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her satisfaction with the progress made since the summit’s launch, highlighting that this year’s edition has been the most successful so far, with promising prospects for the future.
“The level of presentations, the caliber of talent showcased, and the enthusiasm from the diaspora community were outstanding. Young Nigerians with innovative ideas had a unique opportunity to pitch their projects and invest in their home country,” she remarked.
With the theme, “Adapting Stability Through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity,” the summit featured diverse sectors including fintech, agribusiness, real estate, manufacturing, and entertainment. Dabiri-Erewa underscored the impressive participation of Nigerians worldwide, underscoring their commitment to contributing to the nation’s growth.
“This platform has brought together a wealth of talent—young people eager to play a part in Nigeria’s development. The diversity of ideas presented here shows the immense potential we have as a nation,” she added.
A major highlight of this year’s summit was the involvement of the White House, with its Diaspora Advisory Council making a debut appearance. Dabiri-Erewa noted that Nigeria was the first country visited by the council, marking a significant milestone in the summit’s history.
“We’re talking beyond remittances. Imagine the collective power if 1,000 people contributed $100 each. That’s a significant investment. The participation of the White House signifies a growing recognition of the strategic role the diaspora plays in development,” she explained.
Despite the successes, Dabiri-Erewa pointed out the need for better training and preparation of participants. She acknowledged that while some participants were untrained, there is a commitment to enhancing the quality of future pitch sessions.
“We aim to ensure that more deals are closed during the summit itself, rather than afterward. We plan to work closely with institutions and investors to drive immediate action from the pitch sessions,” she stated.
The event received praise for its organization, with Dabiri-Erewa commending the efforts of the planning committee and sponsors, including First Bank, NNPC, and UBA. She noted the surge in exhibitors this year, which required additional space due to high demand.
Looking forward, Dabiri-Erewa called for greater media involvement in promoting the positive outcomes of the summit and highlighting the impact of diaspora investments. She stressed the importance of telling the success stories of Nigerians abroad who are driving innovation, job creation, and national development.
“We need to share more stories of Nigerians making a difference. These are the narratives that should dominate the headlines—stories of creativity, passion, and the drive to contribute positively to our country,” she urged.
Dabiri-Erewa also emphasized the need for collective effort in realizing a prosperous Nigeria, urging both local and diaspora Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“We all have a role to play in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Together, we can create a stronger, more prosperous nation,” she concluded.
Investors and entrepreneurs at the summit praised the improvements in organization and the high quality of business pitches, expressing optimism about the future of diaspora investments in Nigeria.
