Investment

Nigerian businesses seeking foreign capital have been urged to strengthen governance, financial discipline and scalable structures as investors and business leaders at Investors Connect London 2026 examined opportunities for private capital to drive the country’s future of work.

The event, organised by Vivacity Development in partnership with UK-based Codub Consulting Ltd. at Imperial College London, brought together investors, entrepreneurs, business executives, development professionals and members of the African diaspora.

Discussions focused on how businesses across different sectors could become more attractive to investors and contribute to job creation in Nigeria.

A recurring message at the event was that many businesses struggle to attract investment not necessarily because of a lack of opportunities, but because they are not adequately prepared to receive capital.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vivacity Development, Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, said discussions on the future of work should focus on businesses already creating jobs, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs, rather than technology startups alone.

“If we are serious about building the future of work for Nigerians, then we must invest in the businesses employing Nigerians,” Areola said.

She said Investors Connect was established to connect businesses with investors, expertise, policy support and international networks to accelerate growth.

Principal Consultant at Codub Consulting Ltd., Chidi Umeano, urged Nigeria to view its diaspora beyond remittances, describing Nigerians abroad as potential sources of investment capital, mentorship, market access and technical expertise.

Delivering the keynote address, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Dr Sunday Akin Dare, urged entrepreneurs to focus on building institutions capable of sustaining long-term growth rather than simply raising capital.

According to him, investors increasingly assess governance systems, leadership, regulatory compliance, technology adoption and strategic partnerships before committing funds.

The event also highlighted sectors considered capable of driving future employment and investment, including healthcare, agritech, sports, the creative economy, sustainable labour mobility and other innovation-driven industries.

One of the sessions, titled “Golden Nuggets — The Architecture of an Investment-Ready Startup,” identified governance, proper financial records, intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, credible leadership and clear growth strategies as key factors investors consider before providing funding.

Discussions on international expansion also examined how African businesses could improve access to global markets through stronger partnerships, risk-management frameworks and investment structures that support cross-border growth.

At the close of the event, organisers urged participants to translate discussions into commercial outcomes by improving investment readiness, pursuing strategic partnerships and expanding networks capable of opening new markets and creating jobs.

Vivacity Development said the London engagement was part of its broader UK-Nigeria investment programme, with the next engagement scheduled as a side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.

The New York engagement is expected to connect Nigerian businesses with international investors and strategic partners.