The 2025 edition of the Business Summit, themed “Thriving Through Innovation: Future-Proofing African Businesses in a Shifting & Challenging Economy,” held last week Saturday at The Emunah Conference Centre in Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, drawing a large gathering of entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors and young innovators from across the state.

Powered by the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation and supported by the Bank of Industry, the event focused on equipping African business owners with practical strategies to innovate, adapt and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

This year’s summit featured a strong lineup of speakers including Prince Arheghan, Chairman of Karotiz Couture; Dr. Jamie Pajoel, Founder and CEO of JMP Leadership Institute, Canada; business consultant Olushola Olayeye; renowned finance coach Coach Nancy; media executive Treasure Kalu; Gabi Media founder Gabriel J. Nissim; and Carol Arheghan, Creative Director and CEO of Karotiz Couture, who hosted the event. Each speaker offered insights on leadership, digital transformation, branding, sustainability, business resilience, and sales performance, providing participants with fresh perspectives on navigating the current economic climate.

One of the major highlights of the summit was the presentation of ₦2 million in business grants to four emerging business owners.

The beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each from the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation to support the growth and expansion of their enterprises.

The gesture drew applause from attendees and underscored the foundation’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening grassroots businesses.

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The event, which was free to attend, also provided ample networking opportunities, enabling business owners to connect with industry leaders, potential collaborators and investors.

Many participants described the summit as timely, particularly at a period when African businesses are adjusting to technological disruptions, rising operational costs and shifting consumer behaviour.

The conversations and connections made at the summit are expected to inspire new collaborations and innovations among attendees.

Held on November 29, 2025, the Business Summit reaffirmed the role of the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation in driving entrepreneurship development, leadership growth and economic empowerment.

The foundation continues to champion initiatives that create opportunities for young Africans, promote innovation and support sustainable business practices across the continent.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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