The Republic of Guinea has extended a strategic invitation to Nigerian businesses to participate in ongoing mega projects valued at over $20 billion, signaling a new era of economic cooperation between the two West African nations.
This invitation was made by Guinean Ambassador to Nigeria, Siaka Cissoko, during a media briefing held at the Guinean Embassy in Abuja on Sunday.
Opportunities for Nigerian Expertise
Ambassador Cissoko encouraged Nigerian companies to seize investment opportunities in Guinea’s booming mining, infrastructure, and industrial sectors—areas where Nigerian firms have shown notable expertise and competitive strength.
“As I speak to you, there is an ongoing mega multibillion-dollar project in Guinea—about $20 billion—that Nigerian companies can handle,” Cissoko stated.
He emphasized that despite Guinea’s vast investment potential, many of its entrepreneurs often seek business opportunities in countries like India and Pakistan, for projects ranging from $5 million to $10 million. However, he noted, these opportunities also exist in Nigeria, though often overlooked due to limited awareness.
A Push for Stronger Economic Ties
Highlighting the shared mineral wealth between Nigeria and Guinea, the ambassador advocated for deeper collaboration, particularly in the mining sector, to unlock mutual growth.
“Both countries are resource-rich. With better economic cooperation, we can unlock tremendous benefits for our people,” he said.
Cissoko praised the existing financial partnerships, noting that Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, and Polaris Bank already operate in Guinea, providing a solid foundation for further bilateral collaboration.
Bridging the Information Gap
The ambassador acknowledged the information gap between both nations, stating that Guineans often shape their view of Nigeria through Nollywood movies, which don’t always reflect the country’s full potential.
To address this, he lauded the Directors’ Communication Association of Nigeria (DICAN) for its efforts and expressed hope that the group could play a critical role in promoting accurate narratives and fostering business links.
“We welcome partnerships with organizations like DICAN, which can help share the real Nigerian story and open doors for impactful cooperation,” he added.
Commitment to Collaboration
Ambassador Cissoko assured DICAN of Guinea’s readiness to collaborate in areas such as information sharing, training, sponsorships, and humanitarian projects. He also invited the group to engage with the Guinean community in Nigeria and report on their activities.
In response, DICAN Chairman, Fredrick Idehai, pledged the association’s full support:
“We are committed to supporting the embassy and building a fruitful partnership that benefits both countries.”
This growing partnership signals a promising future for Nigerian investors looking to expand across West Africa, with Guinea emerging as a top destination for strategic, large-scale business ventures.
