Nigeria Becomes a Growing Hub for French Investment in Finance, Technology, and Agriculture
Nigeria is rapidly establishing itself as a key destination for French investment, with companies showing increased interest in sectors such as finance, technology, and agriculture. Laurent Favier, the Consul-General of France in Lagos, highlighted this trend during the 2025 French Week business forum organized by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond discussions to actionable partnerships between businesses and governments.
“Energy, agriculture, technology, finance, and services underpin resilient value chains,” Favier said, urging delegates to focus on initiatives that can deliver tangible results in the near term. His comments underline France’s growing confidence in Nigeria’s business environment and the country’s potential to become a regional economic powerhouse.
Several of Nigeria’s leading banks, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA, and First Bank of Nigeria, already operate in Paris, facilitating cross-border transactions and project financing. Favier also highlighted expanding French-Nigerian collaboration in agriculture, technology, and creative industries, reflecting a deepening bilateral economic relationship poised to deliver long-term benefits for both nations.
Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described Lagos as a vibrant hub for trade, technology, and services. With a GDP of approximately $259 billion, contributing more than 30% of Nigeria’s national economy, Lagos presents unique opportunities for French investors to collaborate with local startups and innovators across fintech, AI, health tech, and digital agriculture.
The President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, noted that since the council’s founding in 2019, private sector partnerships have steadily moved the relationship beyond diplomacy. Current collaborations span energy, infrastructure, finance, and culture, including initiatives like the Agora project, which focuses on sustainable urban development. Officials also announced plans for a French ministerial visit to Nigeria in 2026, expected to strengthen ties and identify additional bankable projects.
source: punch