About 250 Nigerian business interests are poised to take part in the upcoming African Business Forum in Sochi, Russia, scheduled from October 23 to 25, 2025, the Presidency has announced.
Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, shared this update in Abuja on Tuesday, highlighting the strategic importance of the forum, which will run alongside the inaugural Russia–Africa Summit.
The event aims to boost Russian investments across Africa while promoting African business opportunities within Russia. According to Shehu, this forum comes at a time when major global economies are deepening ties with Africa, following summits held by the US, India, China, and Japan.
He emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, recalling Russia’s support during Nigeria’s civil war and in the ongoing fight against terrorism, including Boko Haram and ISWA.
“Russia has showcased its expertise in gas production, a sector where Nigeria holds significant untapped potential,” Shehu noted.
President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to attend the forum, with the summit focusing on key themes such as peace, security, and development. The agenda will cover sustainable energy, mining and steel industries, infrastructure projects, nuclear energy, and enhancing trade and investment between Africa and Russia.
On security matters, the summit aims to propose new technology-driven frameworks to strengthen continental peace and stability.
The three-day forum will feature four plenary sessions attended by over 30 African Heads of State and Government, including Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Chairman of the African Union and President of Egypt.
The summit will be co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will deliver the keynote address on the opening day alongside el-Sisi.
During the forum, President Buhari and President Putin are scheduled for a bilateral meeting on October 23, followed by Buhari’s address to the summit on October 24.
In addition to government officials, the event will bring together business leaders, investors, experts, and representatives of major regional organizations, all spotlighting Russia’s growing interest and investment potential across Africa.
