The Nigerian government has asserted that its ambition to develop a $1 trillion economy by 2030 is reliant on integrating millions of economically active individuals—particularly women, youth, and small business owners—into the formal financial sector. This urgency was highlighted by Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, during a recent announcement in Abuja.
Zauro explained that achieving this economic goal requires the formalization of Nigeria’s grassroots economy, indicating that financial inclusion is essential for promoting growth, enterprise development, and national prosperity. He emphasized that financial inclusion should encompass a range of services beyond just opening bank accounts. Access to credit, savings, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities must also be included.
The Federal Government’s Economic and Financial Inclusion agenda is said to be coordinated by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), which is led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The committee aims to engage various stakeholders to enhance financial access, ensuring that no economically active Nigerian remains excluded.
Critical components for removing barriers to financial services include the development of digital public infrastructure and simplified onboarding processes. Zauro noted that financial services must be linked to productive activities that foster business growth and job creation.
The partnership between PreCEFI and the Africa CEO Club was established ahead of the Africa Blueprint Summit 2.0, scheduled for December 3, 2026. Approximately 1,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and the diaspora are expected to contribute to a Builders’ Mandate that addresses priority policy interventions and commitments from both governments and the private sector aimed at bolstering economic growth and sustainability.
Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye, President of the Africa CEO Club, remarked on the importance of addressing Africa’s institutional deficits, which often hinder businesses from enduring beyond their founders. The summit aims to develop effective succession plans and management structures for sustainable enterprises.
Registration for the summit is open, with discounts available for groups, and early-bird registration ending on November 15. The event will also be livestreamed to an anticipated audience of three million viewers.
