Abuja became a hub of vibrant ideas and continental collaboration on Wednesday as the 2025 Africa Youth Investment Forum (AYIF) convened under the leadership of the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE). The gathering united young innovators, business executives, and policymakers committed to redefining Africa’s economic trajectory through youth-driven action.
Opening the forum, Amb. Dr. Sameera Abubakar Abdullahi, National Coordinator of NYE, challenged participants to rethink their approach to entrepreneurship and continental development. She emphasized the urgency of creating a unified strategy that reflects Africa’s collective identity and aspirations.
“We are doing so much yet achieving too little because we’re not aligned,” she said. “This forum is about building a shared roadmap and amplifying the power of collaboration across borders.”
Representing the leadership of NACCIMA, Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, through Engr. Suleiman Audu, praised the initiative as a transformative youth-led movement. He spoke about persistent barriers—limited financing, mentorship deficits, and poor access to information—but noted that platforms like AYIF are vital in turning challenges into actionable solutions.
“This gathering can create a pipeline of opportunities for young Africans,” he said. “We must support NYE’s vision by working together, not in silos.”
Delivering his keynote, Emmanuel Bassey, Group CEO/Managing Director of ERNE Companies, encouraged participants to shift their focus from perceived obstacles to tangible opportunities. He maintained that many aspiring entrepreneurs overestimate the role of funding while neglecting clear strategic thinking.
“Finance is not the enemy,” he said. “The real task is defining your value and solving a problem people genuinely care about.”
In his contribution, Ambassador Phil Roberts, Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador and Director for Tourism Africa at the International Association of Diplomats, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a continentwide 2030 youth blueprint. He underscored the importance of cross-border dialogue and inter-trade frameworks designed to strengthen African enterprises.
“Every country faces unique realities,” he noted. “By sharing experiences, we craft solutions that are scalable and relevant. Sustainable progress depends on continuous conversation.”
Also addressing the forum, HRH Muhammad Yusuf SainLere, President/Chairman of the Nigeria–Egypt Business Council and a national executive of NACCIMA, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to empowering young business leaders. He emphasized mentorship and structured guidance as critical tools to elevate youth participation in regional trade.
“The youth are the engine of our communities,” he said. “Our role is to encourage, train, and prepare them for global competitiveness. This forum is part of that commitment.”
By the end of the event, AYIF 2025 had reinforced a shared conviction: Africa’s development hinges on the capacity of its young people to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose.