In a matter of hours from now, the World Economic Forum holding in Switzerland would come to an end. Close to 3,000 leaders from over 140 countries in business, government, academia, NGOs, science and the media, are currently attending the occasion. Of course, Nigeria too is not left behind. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, led Nigeria’s delegation to this year’s World Economic Forum. Also in the Nigerian delegation are ministers and special advisers including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Minister for Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu. The Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu is also on the delegation.

Also from the organized private sector is United Bank for Africa’s CEO Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu. Speaking on the importance of WEF to the continent at large, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka said “It is important that UBA join other world business and political leaders to deliberate on issues central to the progress of our world, and with specific relevance to the continent of Africa.” He further reiterated that “UBA is the natural partner for those seeking access to Africa’s business opportunities – we look forward to engaging with the world’s business community – to show that Africa is open to business and that UBA is ready to partner.”

The CEO of Heirs Holdings Mr. Tony Elumelu is expected to discuss with other World leaders and global business owners on Africa’s continued economic renaissance and of the critical role that Africa’s private sector is playing in the continent’s transformation.

Also, the Vice President would lead a discussion on Business in Nigeria, where ministers from the Federal Cabinet who are members of the Nigerian delegation would also feature. It would be recalled that a World Bank report on the ease of doing Business around the globe ranked Nigeria 169 out of 190 economies surveyed as one of the worst places to do business in the World- see link below (http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/nigeria). All these and many more improvements that have been made to correct this anomaly are what the VP and his delegates are expected to discuss with potential investors at the forum this year.

The Vice President is expected to be back tomorrow and as Nigerians, we can only hope for huge investment opportunities after this year’s outing. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva. Recognized by the Swiss authorities as an international body, its mission is cited as "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas".