Nigeria is to launch its first-ever official national pavilion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland this month, as the government ramps up efforts to attract foreign investment.
The “Nigeria House Davos” will open its doors on the famous Davos Promenade during the annual summit, which runs from 19 to 23 January.
The initiative is designed to act as a “sovereign convening platform,” allowing Nigerian ministers and business leaders to pitch economic reforms directly to global investors and world leaders.
A ‘soft power’ push
For years, wealthy nations and global tech giants have used dedicated “houses” along the Davos main street to host private deals and high-level networking. By establishing its own space, Nigeria is seeking to move beyond traditional summit sessions and control its own economic narrative.
The project is a public-private partnership, bringing together several government ministries—including Trade, Finance, and Foreign Affairs—alongside private sector coordinators.
What is on the agenda?
The pavilion will host five days of targeted discussions focusing on key sectors the government hopes will diversify the economy away from oil:
- Solid Minerals: Seeking investment in mining and value-chain development.
- Digital Trade: Pitching Nigeria as Africa’s premier tech and “unicorn” hub.
- Agriculture & Infrastructure: Showcasing new trade corridors and farming initiatives.
- Creative Economy: Promoting Nigeria’s massive cultural and film exports (Nollywood).
‘Open for business’
The State House described the move as a signal of Nigeria’s “confidence and ambition” under the current administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Nigeria now enters this league, presenting its narrative from its own perspective,” a government spokesperson said. “It positions the country as a serious, reform-driven economy open for partnership.”
The launch comes at a critical time for Africa’s largest economy, which is navigating a period of intense currency reform and a drive to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) to help stabilise the naira.
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