The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) has unveiled plans for the Abuja Investment Summit 2026, a three-day investment expo designed to attract fresh capital, strengthen public-private partnerships and promote economic growth in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
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Ambassador Maureen P. Tamuno, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, announced the initiative during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, saying the summit would hold from 5 to 7 August 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Themed “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” the summit will bring together investors, government officials, business leaders, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities within the FCT.
Tamuno described the event as more than an annual gathering, saying it was designed as a strategic platform to position Abuja as Nigeria’s leading investment destination by connecting investors with viable opportunities and encouraging collaboration between government and the private sector.
“ABIS 2026 is designed to translate this progress into practical investments, partnerships and measurable economic outcomes,” she said.
She added that the initiative supports the infrastructure-driven transformation agenda of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving Nigeria’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
According to Tamuno, Abuja has recorded growing investor confidence alongside recent infrastructure development. She referenced the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, which ranked the FCT fourth among Nigeria’s 37 subnational entities.
A major highlight of the summit will be the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between AICL and participating organisations.
The agreements are expected to focus on investment promotion, digital payment systems, tax compliance awareness, small and medium enterprise development, revenue generation and market expansion.
Tamuno said the identities of the organisations involved would be announced during the event, adding that the partnerships were designed to create long-term economic benefits beyond the summit.
“One major highlight of this year’s Expo will be the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding. These partnerships are designed to strengthen investment promotion, digital payments, tax compliance awareness, SME development, revenue generation and market expansion,” she said.
The summit will begin with registration on 4 August before the official opening ceremony on 5 August, which will be led by the FCT Minister.
The opening session will feature a keynote address by the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama.
Activities planned for the event include investment exhibitions, business-to-business networking, policy discussions, deal-making sessions and conversations around sustainable revenue generation, enterprise growth and cross-border investment partnerships.
The second day will focus on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, sports, renewable energy, infrastructure and creative industry opportunities, while the final day will highlight women in leadership, enterprise development, education, mentorship and policymaking.
The closing keynote address will be delivered by Ghana’s Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.
Tamuno said the summit is expected to attract international investors, diplomats, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, women-led businesses, youth innovators and policymakers.
She identified several investment opportunities available in Abuja, including the Abuja Film Village project, renewable energy initiatives, compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicle investments and hospitality-related public-private partnerships.
According to her, the Abuja Film Village could transform the capital into a major creative industry hub while creating employment opportunities across filmmaking, fashion, hospitality and related sectors.
She also highlighted AICL’s renewable energy efforts, including the Utako Farmers’ Market project, which operates independently of the national electricity grid, as an example of the investment potential within sustainable infrastructure.
Reflecting on AICL’s growth, Tamuno said the organisation has evolved from creating awareness about its mandate to becoming a recognised investment facilitation agency for local and international partners.
She recalled earlier engagements with ambassadors from about 40 countries aimed at showcasing Abuja’s investment opportunities and encouraging diplomatic support for private sector participation.
“What will be different this year is that for the first time, we are signing multiple MoUs during the Expo. We’ve done agreements before, but this edition will showcase those partnerships publicly,” she said.
AICL’s entrepreneurship support programme will also feature prominently during the summit. Tamuno said previous beneficiaries have expanded their businesses, created jobs and gained access to mentorship and investment opportunities.
Chief Investment Officer of AICL, Abiodun Akanbi, said the intervention programme has produced measurable results, with beneficiaries using grants and business support to grow their enterprises.
He added that the second edition of the programme would provide increased grant funding, stronger mentorship opportunities and greater connections with enterprise development agencies and investors.
About 60 finalists are expected to participate in this year’s intervention programme, where they will showcase their products and share experiences from previous support received through AICL.
Tamuno urged investors, development partners, diplomatic missions, universities, professional organisations and the media to participate in the summit, stressing that Abuja’s investment potential should receive wider attention.
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“Abuja is open for business, Abuja is ready for investment, and Abuja is ready to lead,” she said.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
