By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed the need for a concerted collaboration among African countries to enhance growth and economic prosperity.

This came as participants at the inaugural Francophone Africa Business Summit, FABS, called for partnership and integration within countries in Africa to unlock immense yet untapped opportunities across the regions.

Obasanjo and participants made the remarks at the 2024 summit, themed; “Investing in Francophone Africa: Playbook and Opportunities,” was held in Lagos,
A notable highlight of the event was when Obasanjo, made an insightful and inspiring speech which captivated the audience.

According to him, “There is the need for collective efforts by African countries to drive and make best use of the opportunity to boost economic development.”

Also, the summit, also called for a review of obnoxious policies that inhibit trade, free movement of people within the continent to encourage Small Medium Enterprises, SMEs, entrepreneurship and trade.

Organizer of the summit, Apen Law Firm, described the theme as significant milestones in enhancing business synergies between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

The summit commenced with a speech by Johanna Monthe, Managing Partner of Epena Law, followed by an inspiring opening speech by Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

One of the highlight panels of the summit, the Institution Panel, delved into the theme of: “Crossing Borders and Uniting Markets: Nigeria-Francophone Africa Relations.”

The event brought together esteemed speakers, including: Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, Rock Bashala, Coordinator of the Business Climate Unit, DRC Presidency, and Aissata Lam, Director General, Investment Promotion Agency of Mauritania, engaged in insightful discussions contributing to the discourse on fostering economic collaboration between the regions.

Another engaging panel, the Investment Panel, focused on “Roadmap and Toolkits for Investing in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa,” featuring distinguished resource persons including: Sada Ladan Baki, Group Executive Director Export, Dangote Industries, Serge Thiémélé, Chairman of the Board, Phoenix Capital Management, and Solange Amichia, Managing Director, CEPICI – The Investment Promotion Agency of Cote d’Ivoire.

The summit also addressed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, with the agriculture panel discussing; “Opportunities for Collaborations to Achieve Regional Food Self-Sufficiency.” Ada Osakwe (Founder of Nulli Foods), Wilfrid Korsaga, Managing Director, ARM Agribusiness, and Lucine Hapi, Managing Director, USAID|DRC Investment Activity, shared valuable insights on achieving food self-sufficiency in the region.

Panels showcased a spectrum of investment avenues, including but not limited to Real Estate and Construction, FMCG and Distribution, Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources.

Each session provided valuable insights, fostering constructive dialogue, and catalysing potential partnerships across linguistic and cultural borders.

“FABS 2024 proved to be a resounding success, fostering robust business relationships and paving the way for future collaborations between Anglophone and Francophone African markets,” Monthe stated.

Epena Law extended gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to making the event a memorable and impactful one.

Epena Law, a corporate law firm headquartered in Cameroon with offices in Abidjan, and London, and a presence in Nigeria has 39 years of cumulative experience facilitating major transactions throughout Francophone and Anglophone Africa.

The firm’s unique expertise at the intersection of Africa’s diverse legal systems and business environments, allows them to seamlessly smooth complexities inherent to cross-border expansions, thereby, serving as a gateway connecting international investors to overlooked opportunities across Africa.