Stanbic IBTC Holdings concluded its 2026 Nigeria Business Summit on Tuesday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to explore trade expansion, sustainable economic growth, and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The two-day summit, themed “Nigeria Means Business: Powering Sectors, Growing Sustainable SMEs & Unlocking Global Trade,” included presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, covering key sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, ICT, telecommunications, Africa–China trade relations, insurance, pensions, and wealth management.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stressed the need for Nigeria to reposition itself as an export-driven economy.
“Our true potential lies in becoming a leading export economy. Increased participation in regional and global trade will be critical to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and driving inclusive growth,” Edun said.
He noted that while Nigeria’s GDP growth has risen to around four per cent, it remains below the level required to significantly reduce poverty. Edun highlighted ongoing reforms, including improved foreign reserves, rising non-oil revenues, and renewed investor confidence, as indicators of a more resilient economy.
Edun said enhancing trade competitiveness would require continued investment in infrastructure, logistics, and policy coordination. He also underscored the importance of SMEs, which account for more than 90 per cent of businesses in the country, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive inclusive growth.
The summit included sessions on intra-African trade opportunities, family business sustainability, artificial intelligence, employee value banking, and the evolving role of electric vehicles in banking. Participants also engaged with the Africa Trade Barometer, which highlights emerging trade patterns and opportunities across the continent.
Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, represented by the bank’s Chief Finance and Value Management Officer, Kunle Adedeji, said the summit reinforced the importance of platforms that allow ideas to flourish and businesses to grow sustainably.
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“This summit has reinforced the importance of creating platforms where ideas can flourish, and businesses can grow sustainably. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive economic advancement across Nigeria and the African continent,” he said.
Executive Director of Business & Commercial Banking, Remy Osuagwu, described the discussions as both practical and insightful. “From energy and healthcare to agribusiness and Africa–China trade relations, the summit offered perspectives that can help businesses navigate emerging opportunities,” Osuagwu said.
On the second day, focus shifted to SMEs and new technologies. Represented by Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Stanbic IBTC Bank Chief Executive Wole Adeniyi highlighted sessions on artificial intelligence, family business dynamics, insurance evolution, and electric vehicle banking as key to helping businesses position themselves for future growth.
The bank said the Nigeria Business Summit reflects its commitment to empowering businesses, strengthening critical sectors, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.
Stanbic IBTC said the summit also served as a platform to foster economic growth, unlock global trade opportunities, and support the sustainable development of SMEs, which are central to Nigeria’s economic strategy.
With regional and international trade increasingly viewed as a driver for economic resilience, summit participants agreed that partnerships, policy reforms, and investment in infrastructure will be critical to expanding Nigeria’s role in global trade networks.
