Nigerian businesses court French investors during Tinubu's landmark visit
President Bola Tinubu's state visit to France brings a delegation of Nigerian business leaders seeking new investment in Africa's largest economy. It also reflects growing efforts to strengthen economic links between Nigeria and France.
Tinubu began his two-day trip on Thursday with a ceremony at Les Invalides in central Paris, accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron, the leaders' two wives and representatives of the French army and ministries.
It comes as Nigeria aims to tackle economic challenges, including insecurity and corruption, which have left more than half of the population of 129 million people living in poverty.
A major oil producer with a robust film industry, Nigeria offers significant potential for foreign investment.
Macron, who has long sought a "renewal" between Paris and Africa, said his country will "continue to invest" in Nigeria, at a time when France's influence on the continent is waning.
Travelling with Tinubu is a delegation of entrepreneurs and young business leaders in Paris for a packed programme of meetings, including dinner with the Macrons and talks at the French Development Agency.
Deepening ties
Among them is Kolawole Osinowo, CEO of Baobab Plus, a French-Nigerian renewable energy company, who told RFI Tinubu's visit was a chance to deepen ties and encourage sustainable growth.
"A lot of people in Nigeria don't have access to electricity, so we're supporting the government by bridging the gap," he said.
“There’s a connection in terms of technological and financial support that is key.”
Read more on RFI English
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