Abuja Eyes Fresh Capital Inflows as AICL Unveils Investment Expo, Plans Strategic MoUs

<em>Amb. Tamuno</em>

Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL, has announced plans for the 2026 Abuja Business and Investment Summit, ABIS 3.0, positioning a three-day event as a platform to attract new capital, strengthen public-private partnerships and support economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Ambassador Maureen P. Tamuno, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, said the summit will hold from August 5 to 7 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre under the theme, “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth.”

Tamuno described ABIS as more than an annual gathering, calling it a strategic initiative to position Abuja as a leading investment destination by connecting investors with viable business opportunities and fostering collaboration between government and the private sector.

According to her, the summit aligns with the infrastructure-led transformation agenda of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving Nigeria’s competitiveness for investment.

She noted that Abuja has seen significant infrastructure development and increased investor interest. Citing the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, she said the FCT ranked fourth among Nigeria’s 37 subnational entities.

“ABIS 2026 is designed to translate this progress into practical investments, partnerships and measurable economic outcomes,” Tamuno said.

“It is more than an event. It is a strategic platform to position Abuja as Nigeria’s leading investment destination by connecting investors with opportunities, strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting enterprise development, and showcasing the immense potential of the federal capital.”

Strategic MoUs to be signed

A major highlight of this year’s summit, Tamuno said, will be the signing of several strategic Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs.

The agreements are expected to focus on investment promotion, expansion of digital payment systems, tax compliance awareness, support for small and medium enterprises, SMEs, boosting internally generated revenue, and creating new market opportunities.

While the names of participating institutions will be announced at the event, she said the partnerships are intended to deliver lasting economic benefits beyond the summit.

“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.

Programme and expected participants

Registration will open on August 4, with the official opening on August 5 by the FCT Minister.

The opening ceremony will feature a keynote address by the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama.

Activities over the three days will include investment exhibitions, business-to-business networking, policy dialogues, deal-making sessions, and discussions on cross-border partnerships, sustainable revenue generation and enterprise growth.

Day two will focus on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, sports, the creative economy, renewable energy, infrastructure and investment opportunities.

The final day will spotlight women in leadership, enterprise, education, mentorship and policymaking.

The closing day keynote will be delivered by Ghana’s Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.

Tamuno said the summit is expected to attract local and international investors, diplomats, development partners, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, exhibitors, women-led businesses, youth innovators and policymakers.

Investment opportunities highlighted

AICL also highlighted several investment opportunities in the FCT, including the proposed Abuja Film Village project, renewable energy initiatives, compressed natural gas, CNG, and electric vehicle investments, as well as public-private partnership opportunities in hospitality.

Tamuno said the Abuja Film Village could position the capital as a hub for Nigeria’s creative industry and create jobs across filmmaking, fashion, makeup, hospitality and related value chains.

She added that AICL has demonstrated the viability of renewable energy investments through the Utako Farmers’ Market, which operates independently of the national grid, and that discussions are ongoing with investors in clean energy and sustainable transportation.

Entrepreneurship support

Speaking on AICL’s entrepreneurship intervention, Chief Investment Officer Abiodun Akanbi said the programme has produced measurable results, with beneficiaries growing businesses and creating jobs through grants, mentorship and access to investors.

He said the second edition will increase grant funding, deepen mentorship and connect participants with enterprise development agencies and potential investors.

About 60 finalists are expected to participate this year, exhibit products, and share testimonials.

Tamuno recalled that AICL’s early engagements included meeting with ambassadors from about 40 countries to showcase Abuja’s investment opportunities.

She called on investors, development partners, sponsors, diplomatic missions, universities, professional bodies and the media to participate in the summit.

“Abuja is open for business, Abuja is ready for investment, and Abuja is ready to lead,” she said.