UNGA80: Nigeria showcases leadership at USAfrica Business Week 2025 with Governors, Ministers, other dignitaries in attendance
New York, September 2025
USAfrica Business Week (UBW2025), the premier U.S.–Africa trade and investment platform was held successfully on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and convened more than 1,000 high-level leaders from government, business, and the diaspora.
Nigeria stood out at the program with a robust delegation of state governors, federal ministers, and entrepreneurs, underscoring the nation’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future trade and investment landscape.
Among the distinguished Nigerian participants were the Governors of Plateau and Zamfara States, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and Dauda Lawal respectively, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, and Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, Founder of NOXIE Ltd and Chairperson, Wood Products & Furniture Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN).
The Nigerian leaders were joined by an array of global dignitaries such as Reta Jo Lewis, Former President & Chair, U.S. Export-Import Bank, Congresswoman Jennifer McCormick of the U.S. House of Representatives, Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo, State Assemblywoman, Latrice Walker and New York City Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs, Aissata M.B. Camara.
Speaking on the impact of Nigeria’s presence at the program, Gbenga Omotayo, Founder and Convener of USAfrica Business Week, said:
“UBW2025 reinforced Nigeria’s role as a driver of Africa’s trade and investment future. From agribusiness and solid minerals to infrastructure and diaspora capital, Nigeria is open for global partnerships.”
The highlights of the well attended event include a Critical Minerals Roundtable, where Nigerian and DRC officials discussed ethical mining and industrial value chains with US investors, and a Governors’ Spotlight that featured the Plateau and Zamfara States Governors showcasing state-level opportunities in agribusiness, solid minerals, and other investment promotion opportunities.
There was also the FCT Urban Development Dialogue, where Nigeria’s Minister of State for FCT engaged the leaders present on diaspora capital for infrastructure and smart city projects; the Diaspora Market Day which witnessed over 80 African SMEs, including Nigerian brands, showcasing their products to U.S. buyers; and the Deal Room where curated matchmaking between Nigerian officials, SMEs, and global investors led to new bilateral opportunities.
As part of the post-event impact of the historic program, some Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) secured new export deals in the U.S. market; the Plateau and Zamfara State governments have begun follow-up investment discussions with U.S. companies, while the FCT Minister initiated talks on diaspora-driven urban infrastructure projects.
As a result of the spectacular success of UBW2025, Mr. Omotayo said, the event has strengthened Nigeria’s visibility as a gateway to U.S.–Africa trade partnerships.
Founded by Omotayo, USAfrica Business Week has become a flagship platform for bridging U.S.–Africa trade and investment, convening policymakers, investors, and diaspora leaders annually during UNGA in New York.
