The NEPAD Business Group Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a private sector–led economic transformation for Nigeria and the African continent, with a strong focus on unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
This position was articulated at the 2025 High-Level Business Forum held in Lagos, where NBGN Chairman, Bashorun J.K. Randle, called for urgent and coordinated action to reposition Africa’s private sector to fully harness the $3.4 tn AfCFTA market.
Randle said Africa’s economic aspirations would only be realised through decisive implementation rather than policy declarations, stressing that the private sector must lead the next phase of the continent’s development.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria, and Africa at large, moves decisively from ambition to action, building a prosperous continent powered by competitive enterprises, innovation, and strong institutions,” he said.
The forum, themed “Mobilising Africa’s Private Sector for AfCFTA towards Africa’s Economic Development Amid Global Uncertainty”, brought together business leaders, policymakers, and development partners to examine strategies for accelerating private sector participation in regional trade and economic growth.
Discussions at the event identified several critical areas requiring urgent attention, including improved access to long-term financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises; stronger institutions and harmonised standards to ease cross-border trade; and expanded public-private partnerships to address Africa’s infrastructure deficits.
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