President Bola Tinubu has projected that Nigeria is on track to attract nearly $20 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2026, attributing the expected inflow to ongoing economic reforms, regulatory easing, and improved macroeconomic stability. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, he emphasized that Nigeria’s investment climate is becoming increasingly competitive as structural bottlenecks are dismantled.
According to him, the removal of long-standing regulatory barriers has significantly boosted investor confidence. Consequently, foreign capital is flowing into key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. He stressed that Africa must transition from exporting raw materials to developing value-added industries that retain wealth within the continent.
Furthermore, Tinubu called for stronger African self-reliance and regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He argued that sustainable development must be financed internally, using Africa’s abundant resources to drive industrial growth and innovation.
On industrial policy, he highlighted Nigeria’s push for local refining capacity, referencing the Dangote Refinery as a model of public-private collaboration. In addition, he noted reforms in crude oil transactions, tax administration, and digital payment systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce currency instability.
Tinubu also underscored progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, including expanded fibre optic networks and mechanised farming initiatives. He explained that these investments are intended to modernize Nigeria’s economy and empower young people for the digital future.
Ultimately, he reaffirmed that Africa must embrace collaboration over fragmentation, urging leaders to fully activate trade frameworks that unlock shared prosperity across the continent.
