Doing business in nigeria conference 2025
THEME:
Navigating
the Storm:
Thriving in a Transforming Nigeria
DBNC was established in 2021 by Linda Uneze the managing partner of Maurice Xandra Solutions. This platform was created to promote experience sharing among business professionals in a bid to equip potential investors, entrepreneurs.
Major Partner:
2025 Conference Highlights
1 Business Pitch for Grant
2 Panel Discussions
2 Fireside Segments
2 Keynote Segments
2025 DBNC CONFERENCE
Panel Sessions
Session One
Accessing Finance in Challenging Times: Opportunities for Nigerian Businesses
Session Two
Staying Ahead: How Technology Helps Businesses Adapt and Thrive
2025 Keynotes Address
The keynotes speakers will address the following topics respectively: Driving Business Innovation Amidst Complex Market Forces; The United States and Nigeria: Partners for Prosperity; Business Reimagined: Embracing Opportunities in Uncertain Times; Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, the Founder’s Perspective; This is Nigeria: Changing the Narrative for Businesses to Thrive; Strategic Partnerships: How Nigerian Businesses Can Scale Globally
The Doing Business in Nigeria Conference 2025 brought together leading voices across business, government, and investment communities for a robust exchange on the realities and future of enterprise in Nigeria. The conference served as a strategic platform for dialogue, networking, and shared learning, highlighting key issues shaping business growth, investment flows, and economic transformation.
With the theme “Navigating the Storm: Thriving in a Transforming Nigeria,” conversations throughout the event explored resilience, adaptability, and innovation as essential tools for navigating an uncertain but opportunity-filled environment. Speakers reflected on the evolving nature of markets, the importance of policy alignment, access to capital, and the role of technology and leadership in driving sustainable progress.
Across multiple sessions, speakers offered diverse perspectives on building businesses that can withstand disruption while positioning for long-term growth. The discussions consistently reinforced the need for collaboration between stakeholders, stronger institutional support, and bold, forward-thinking strategies to unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential.
The Doing Business in Nigeria Conference 2025 reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for dialogue on enterprise, resilience, and innovation within Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape. Held on April 26th, 2025, it convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and development stakeholders under the theme “Navigating the Storm: Thriving in a Transforming Nigeria.”
The conference opened with a convener’s address delivered by Linda Uneze, CEO, Maurice Xandra Solutions, who emphasized the need for resilient business models, strategic foresight, and adaptive thinking in navigating uncertainty and driving sustainable growth.
A key highlight was the participation of MTN as a major partner, underscoring the importance of private sector collaboration in strengthening digital infrastructure and enabling innovation-led economic growth.
The keynote sessions set a strong tone for the day. Fola Aiyesimoju, Group Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria Plc., delivered Keynote 1 titled “Business Reimagined: Embracing Opportunities in Uncertain Times,” highlighting agility, discipline, and strategic repositioning as key to navigating volatile markets.
Tonye Cole, Co-Founder, Sahara Group, in his keynote “Driving Business Innovation Amidst Complex Market Forces,” emphasized innovation, leadership depth, and long-term thinking as critical drivers of sustainable growth.
The fireside chats featured Paul Onwuanibe, Group Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Group, in conversation moderated by Dr. Austin Okpagu, Country Director, Verto, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa, who stressed scaling through partnerships, ecosystem building, and global competitiveness.
The first panel on access to finance featured Catherine Uju Ifejika, Chief Executive Officer, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited; Adeniyi Adenubi, Co-Founder, VFD Group Plc.; Inalegwu Adoga, Managing Director, Champion Breweries Plc.; Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group; and Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Aruwa Capital Management, focusing on capital access and resilience strategies for businesses.
The second panel on technology and innovation featured Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, alongside other industry leaders, and was moderated by Mark Igbinedion, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Distinct.ai, with discussions centered on digital transformation and competitiveness.
The Business Pitch Competition was judged by Stella Duru, Board Chairman, Zedcrest / Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo; Njideka Jack, Senior Manager, MTN Nigeria; and Dr. Ayo Adegboye, Chief Executive Officer, Arravo, with QiQi Farms emerging as the winner for its scalable agritech innovation.
The conference concluded with an informal after-party session, providing a relaxed environment for networking, reflection, and continued engagement among participants. It strengthened connections formed throughout the day and encouraged future collaboration.
Overall, DBNC 2025 successfully delivered a high-impact platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership, bringing stakeholders together to shape a more resilient and forward-looking Nigerian business ecosystem.
2025 GRANT WINNER
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS COPPER SPONSORS
HIGHLIGHT MEDIA PARTNER MEDIA PARTNERS
