Nigeria targets $500bn investment deals 

Nigeria is positioning itself for a major surge in capital inflows as the World Investment Summit (WIS) Abuja 2026 sets an ambitious target of over $500 billion in investment pledges, signalling renewed global confidence in the country’s reform-driven economy.

Speaking ahead of the June 24–26 summit in Abuja, Adeniyi Matthew, Director-General and Convener of WIS, said recent fiscal and structural reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have begun to reset macroeconomic fundamentals and improve Nigeria’s investment appeal.

He said key policy shifts, including exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, and tighter fiscal discipline, are already boosting transparency, freeing up public resources, and restoring investor confidence.

Matthew said these measures, alongside increased infrastructure spending and regulatory reforms, are creating new opportunities across energy, agriculture, digital technology, and transport.

He described WIS 2026 as a strategic platform to convert policy reforms into tangible capital inflows.

According to him, the summit is expected to attract over 8,000 participants, including global CEOs, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and government leaders, making it one of the largest investment gatherings globally.

Beyond deal-making, Matthew said
the summit aims to deepen Nigeria’s integration into global capital markets.

He said in a symbolic move to reinforce market credibility, top Nigerian officials will ring closing bells at major global stock exchanges, including New York, London, and Shanghai, signalling readiness for large-scale investments.

According to him, projected outcomes include the launch of a World Investment Platform, the establishment of a World Investment Bank headquartered in Nigeria, and over 200 public-private partnership deals in priority sectors.

He said the implications are increased foreign direct investment, expanded access to capital, job creation, and stronger supply chains.

Participants at the event said the summit could accelerate Nigeria’s push towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030 if commitments translate into actual inflows.

BusinessDay reports that with reforms gaining traction, WIS 2026 may mark a turning point, shifting Nigeria from a high-risk perception to a competitive global investment destination.