Abuja eyes fresh capital inflows as AICL unveils investment expo

The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) has unveiled plans for the 2026 Abuja Business and Investment Summit (ABIS 3.0), positioning the event as a key platform to attract fresh capital, strengthen public-private partnerships and accelerate economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Pool

 

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Maureen P. Tamuno, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, said the three-day summit would 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 the summit as more than an annual gathering, saying it is a strategic initiative designed to position Abuja as Nigeria’s leading investment destination by connecting investors with viable business opportunities, promoting enterprise development and fostering partnerships between government and the private sector.

 

According to her, the initiative aligns with the infrastructure-led transformation agenda of Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at making Nigeria globally competitive for investment.

 

She noted that Abuja has continued to witness significant infrastructure development and rising investor confidence, citing 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.

 

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

 

“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 sector,” Tamuno said.

 

She disclosed that one of the major highlights of this year’s summit would be the signing of several strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening investment promotion, expanding digital payment systems, improving tax compliance awareness, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), boosting internally generated revenue and creating new market opportunities.

 

While declining to reveal the identities of the participating institutions ahead of the event, Tamuno said the agreements are expected to deliver lasting economic benefits beyond the summit.

 

“One major highlight of this year’s Expo will be the signing of the Strategic Memorandum of Understanding, MOUs. These partnerships are designed to strengthen investment promotion, digital payments, tax compliance awareness, SME development, revenue generation, and market expansion. 

 

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“While the names of the participating institutions will be unveiled during the Expo, these arrangements are to produce lasting economic impacts beyond the event itself,” she said.

 

According to her, the summit will commence with registration on August 4 before its official opening on August 5 by the FCT Minister. The opening ceremony will feature a keynote address by Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

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

 

The second day will focus on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, sports, the creative economy, renewable energy, infrastructure and investment opportunities, while the final day will spotlight women in leadership, enterprise, education, mentorship and policymaking. 

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

According to her, the proposed Abuja Film Village has the potential to transform the capital into a major hub for Nigeria’s creative industry while creating employment opportunities across filmmaking, fashion, makeup, hospitality and other value chains.

 

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

 

Reflecting on the company’s progress over the past two years, Tamuno said AICL has moved from creating awareness about its mandate to becoming a trusted investment facilitation agency sought after by both local and international partners.

 

She recalled that one of its earliest initiatives was an engagement with ambassadors from about 40 countries to showcase Abuja’s investment opportunities and strengthen diplomatic support for private sector investment.

 

“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.