Investors Connect London 2026 calls for investment in Nigeria’s Future Of Work

Investors Connect London 2026 calls for investment in Nigeria’s Future Of Work

Investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders have called for increased investment in Nigerian businesses and human capital as the country seeks to prepare its workforce for a rapidly changing global economy.

The call was made at Investors Connect London 2026, convened by Vivacity Development in collaboration with its UK partner, Codub Consulting Ltd., at Imperial College London on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The event brought together stakeholders from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the wider African diaspora to discuss investment, enterprise development, innovation, global partnerships and the future of work.

The gathering was convened by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vivacity Development, Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, who argued that Nigeria's future-of-work conversation should extend beyond emerging technologies and include the businesses already providing jobs and livelihoods.

Following the London gathering, Vivacity Development’s international engagement continues in New York on September 21, 2026, with its UNGA side event focused on work, innovation and opportunity and preparing the next generation for the global economy.

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

She stressed the need for Nigeria to rethink its education and skills systems in response to changing global economic demands, citing international efforts to align university programmes with emerging opportunities.

Areola said Investors Connect was designed to bring together “capital, enterprise, expertise, policy and international networks” around practical opportunities for growth.

Chidi Umeano, Principal Consultant at Codub Consulting Ltd., urged stakeholders to look beyond diaspora remittances and recognise Nigerians abroad as potential sources of investment capital, expertise, mentorship and access to international markets.

A keynote address by Dr. Sunday Akin Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, focused on building institutions capable of sustaining businesses beyond their founders.

Dare urged entrepreneurs to look beyond raising capital, stressing the importance of governance, technology, people, infrastructure, regulatory certainty and strategic partnerships.

He also encouraged founders seeking international expansion to understand local market realities and distinguish between market reach and genuine scalability.

The event featured discussions on sectors capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria's employment and economic growth, including technology, healthcare, sports, the creative economy, agritech and sustainable labour mobility.

Speakers also examined the challenges confronting businesses seeking investment and the need to build enterprises with credible governance structures, financial discipline, intellectual property protection, compliance mechanisms and clear growth strategies.

A session titled “Golden Nuggets — The Architecture of an Investment-Ready Startup” was moderated by business strategist Evelyn Esumai and featured Dr. Lanre Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of LP Consults.

Another session, “The Governance Imperative,” explored the role of effective leadership and governance in building sustainable enterprises. The discussion was moderated by Ebaide Omiunu, Founder, with Tom Cracknell, Founder of Koyo Health, sharing insights on governance and sustainable business growth.

The programme also examined how African businesses could improve access to international markets, investment, partnerships and potential exit opportunities.

The organisers said the discussions were intended to move beyond networking by creating practical connections between businesses seeking growth and investors, institutions and professionals capable of supporting them.

Recent publicity from Vivacity described the 2026 programme as focusing on inclusive growth, innovation and multi-sector diversification, with the wider initiative designed to connect African businesses with global capital, expertise and strategic partnerships.

The closing session challenged participants to translate the relationships created at the event into measurable outcomes, including investments, partnerships, business expansion and job creation.

Areola said the success of Investors Connect should ultimately be measured by what happens after the conference.

“Potential becomes progress when the right people, the right ideas and the right capital connect,” she said.

The London event forms part of Vivacity Development’s wider international engagement programme on investment, workforce development and economic transformation. The organisation has also outlined engagements in New York and other international locations as part of the broader programme.