*To tap €200 million for infrastructure development, others
By Charles Okonji
In a deliberate effort aimed at catalyzing long-term business and industry financing, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) brainstorms on practical steps for enhancing trade, investment and long-term financing between Africa and Europe.
The Leader of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) who doubles as the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, led a delegation to a high-level Executive Round Table hosted by a leading European financial institution, ODDO BHF, in collaboration with a top Nigerian law firm, Aluko & Oyebode, at The Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, to advance talks on strategic partnership, capital mobilisation, investment and trade between the two continents.
In a programme with the theme “The Africa-Europe Trade and Investment Corridor: Where Capital Meets Opportunity”, the NACCIMA President who was accompanied by DG, Dr. Olusola Obadimu, and National Digital Economy Coordinator, Dr. Segun Olugbile, noted that changing global capital flows requires a deliberate “Push and Pull” strategy.
In his l keynote presentation, Mr. Florian Witt, Managing Director, International Banking, Member of the Group Business Executive Committee of ODDO BHF and Chair of the ICC Global Banking Commission, outlined ODDO BHF’s long-term commitment to carbon capture, reforestation and sustainable development in Africa, including a €200 million dedicated fund aimed at supporting sustainable forestry, community infrastructure and carbon-credit opportunities.
He noted that some of the key outcomes of the deliberation include: recalibrating Africa’s risk perception with empirical data; rebuilding the Germany-Nigeria industrial and investment corridor; strengthening financial sovereignty and indigenous banking capacity; mobilising capital for digital infrastructure and data residency; expanding green finance and Africa’s climate transition; among others.
At the concluding session, Engr Ibrahim said, “while European financial institutions and investors provide the market pull, Nigerian businesses and institutions must proactively develop and present credible, bankable and investment-ready commercial pipelines capable of absorbing long-term capital.
“The event underscored the importance of converting investor interest into structured transactions, supported by appropriate risk frameworks, credible project preparation, transparent governance and strong institutional partnerships.
“NACCIMA, ODDO BHF and participating private-sector stakeholders agreed to advance discussions on the development of a dedicated ECA-backed Digital and Trade Infrastructure Financing Facility.
“The proposed framework is intended to support strategic digital and trade infrastructure, manufacturing (excluding defence industries), agro-processing, solid minerals beneficiation, facilitate cross-border commerce, strengthen Nigeria’s participation in AfCFTA, and help close critical infrastructure gaps constraining industrial and economic growth.
“NACCIMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with international financial institutions, development partners, government agencies and the organised private sector to transform Nigeria’s investment opportunities into bankable projects, productive capital and measurable economic outcomes.”
