EnergyNet to Host Nigeria's First Global Investors Expo

EnergyNet, a company from the UK, is planning to host the first Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo. This event aims to make Nigeria a top choice for global investments.

The summit will take place in Abuja on 19 and 20 November 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. It will gather investors, policymakers, and project developers to turn Nigeria’s economic reforms into real investment opportunities.

Over two days, the expo will connect international investors with projects that have moved beyond just ideas. Nigeria is currently making major economic changes to improve the environment for investments.

This initiative comes as Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, tries to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) after years of decline. Factors like policy uncertainty, poor infrastructure, energy shortages, insecurity, and regulatory issues have held back investments. Despite these challenges, Nigeria has a wealth of natural resources, a large market, and a strategic location in West Africa.

The organizers believe the Expo will show how ongoing reforms in sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure can lead to solid investment opportunities instead of just remaining as plans.

EnergyNet is known for hosting the Africa Energy Forum (AEF), which is recognized worldwide.

A New Approach to Investment

EnergyNet says this initiative shows a shift in how Nigeria is seen in global investment talks.

During discussions with Premium Times, Simon Gosling, the Managing Director of EnergyNet, mentioned that this platform aims to change the conversation from what Nigeria plans to do to what it has already achieved and how investors can get involved.

EnergyNet believes that recent reforms, such as changes in foreign exchange rules, tax collection, mining governance, and energy policies, now create a better environment for long-term investments.

The Expo aims to show how energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, and trade work together to drive industrial growth instead of treating them as separate opportunities.

Official Launch of the Campaign

The campaign for the summit gained momentum in August. EnergyNet, along with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, launched the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo at a press conference in Abuja.

This event marked the official start of the initiative and brought together government officials, investors, development partners, and the media to share Nigeria’s investment goals ahead of the November event.

Simon Nkom, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, represented the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. He noted that the Expo is timely, as Nigeria is expanding its economic base beyond traditional revenue streams.

He said, “A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railways, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation.”

Mr Nkom added that mining cannot succeed alone. He explained that the Federal Government aims to strengthen connections between mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial growth.

He promised that the ministry would continue to support the organizers in the lead-up to the event.

The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to moving Nigeria’s mining industry from exporting raw minerals to local processing and manufacturing. This shift requires long-term investments, new technology, and responsible partnerships.

Why Nigeria, Why Now?

The timing of this initiative comes as the global race for investments linked to energy transition heats up. Countries are competing for supplies of lithium, graphite, cobalt, and other minerals needed for electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Nigeria is speeding up reforms in its solid minerals sector and encouraging investments in mineral exploration and local processing.

EnergyNet believes these reforms allow Nigeria to be seen differently by global investors. It wants to show Nigeria not just as a resource-rich country, but as an emerging investment hub that can support long-term industrial growth.

Abdoulaye Sylla, the Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, said the Nigeria NOW! initiative came after market assessments indicated that Nigeria is now in a better position to attract more foreign investment.

He revealed that the Expo will serve as a platform connecting investors with government bodies and developers working on key infrastructure and industrial projects. About 600 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the first edition.

Beyond Mining

Though organized with the support of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria NOW! takes a broader approach. It will bring together stakeholders from mining, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, oil and gas, trade, and finance.

Organizers believe that these sectors should not be developed separately. Mining projects need steady electricity, transport, financing, and efficient regulations. Similarly, industrial growth relies on access to raw materials and strong logistics.

Investing in the Next Generation

Alongside the Expo, the inaugural Youth Energy Summit (YES! Nigeria) will also take place. This event aims to connect young Nigerians with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. It will also help them tap into opportunities arising from Nigeria’s energy transition.

EnergyNet states that YES! Nigeria is part of its goal to build a youth network of 100 million across Africa, supporting job creation and energy access through lasting partnerships.

Damilola Hamid-Balogun from the Youth Sustainable Development Network emphasized the need for meaningful youth participation to achieve Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target by 2060.

Building Local Partnerships

EnergyNet has been forming partnerships with Nigerian organizations ahead of the summit. Earlier this year, they worked with Premium Times to explore ways to boost investor confidence through credible news and storytelling.

During a visit to Abuja, EnergyNet announced the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) as its official women-in-mining partner. NIWIMNRO received EnergyNet’s leadership award for its efforts in supporting indigenous women miners and responsible mining practices.

Other partners include Nextier, The Electricity Hub, and the Youth Sustainable Development Network (YSDN).

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Nigeria NOW! aims to answer a long-standing question: Can reforms lead to investments?

For EnergyNet, the answer relies on government policies and ongoing talks between investors, project developers, financial institutions, and regulators.

By creating a space where investment opportunities are discussed along with infrastructure, financing, and regulations, the organizers hope to change Nigeria’s image as a top investment destination in Africa.

Whether this goal is realized will be clearer when investors meet in Abuja in November. But one thing is clear: EnergyNet wants to present Nigeria not just on potential, but on real reforms, partnerships, and projects.