…….Stakeholders at Imperial College London call for stronger support for MSMEs, investment-ready businesses and diaspora partnerships
Nigeria’s future of work must focus not only on emerging technologies but also on businesses and sectors already creating jobs across the country.
This was a major message at Investors Connect London 2026, held at Imperial College London on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The event was convened by Vivacity Development in collaboration with its UK partner, Codub Consulting Ltd.
It brought together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, development professionals and members of the Nigerian and African diaspora.
The discussions focused on investment, enterprise development, innovation, international partnerships and Nigeria’s changing employment landscape.
MSMEs Key to Nigeria’s Future of Work
Founder and CEO of Vivacity Development, Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, said Nigeria must take a broader approach to preparing for the future of work.
Areola pointed to the rapid changes taking place in education and skills development globally.
She cited China’s restructuring of university courses as an example of how countries are responding to changing economic demands.
According to her, Nigeria must also rethink how it prepares its workforce for future opportunities.
She stressed that the future of work should not be reduced to technology and venture-backed startups.
With MSMEs employing a significant majority of Nigeria’s workforce, Areola said investment must also target businesses already providing jobs and livelihoods.
“If we are serious about building the future of work for Nigerians, then we must invest in the businesses employing Nigerians,” she said.
Diaspora Can Provide More Than Remittances
Chidi Umeano, Principal Consultant at Codub Consulting Ltd., called for a broader understanding of the Nigerian diaspora’s economic role.
Umeano said the diaspora should not be viewed only through the value of remittances sent home.
He identified investment capital, expertise, mentorship and access to international markets as other important contributions the diaspora can make.
He said stronger connections between Nigerian businesses and the diaspora could create new opportunities for growth.
Presidential Adviser Urges Stronger Institutions
Dr. Sunday Akin Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communications and Orientation, delivered the keynote address titled “The Strategic Bridge.”
Dare challenged entrepreneurs to look beyond simply raising capital.
He urged founders to build institutions capable of sustaining growth, attracting long-term investment and surviving beyond their founders.
According to him, genuine scalability requires more than ambition or market size.
He identified people, technology, governance, systems, infrastructure, regulatory certainty and strategic partnerships as critical components.
Dare also urged entrepreneurs with global ambitions to understand local market realities.
He said founders must distinguish between market reach and genuine scalability.
Strategic partnerships, he added, could provide access to capabilities, infrastructure and markets that businesses might struggle to develop independently.
Investors Seek Investment-Ready Businesses
Another major discussion at the event focused on the gap between promising businesses and enterprises capable of receiving and deploying investment effectively.
The session, titled “Golden Nuggets — The Architecture of an Investment-Ready Startup,” examined what investors expect from businesses seeking funding.
The discussion was moderated by business strategist Evelyn Esumai and featured Dr. Lanre Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of LP Consults.
Key areas examined included governance, financial discipline, leadership, intellectual property, compliance, business structure and clear growth strategies.
Participants stressed that businesses must strengthen their internal structures before seeking significant external investment.
Stakeholders Explore New Growth Sectors
The programme also examined investment opportunities across sectors that could shape Nigeria’s future employment and economic growth.
Discussions covered technology, healthcare and other innovation-driven industries.
Participants also explored opportunities in sports, the creative economy, agritech and sustainable labour mobility.
The conversations highlighted the need for investors to look beyond conventional technology businesses.
According to the participants, several sectors outside traditional tech could generate employment and support wider economic development.
Focus Shifts to Global Markets
Another session examined how African businesses can improve access to international markets, global partnerships and liquidity.
The discussion also considered potential exit pathways for businesses seeking to scale beyond their domestic markets.
Participants emphasised the importance of international networks, strategic partnerships, risk management and commercially sustainable growth models.
They also examined the structures businesses need to participate effectively in global markets.
Organisers Demand Action After London Event
Closing the programme, Areola and Umeano challenged participants to turn the connections made at the event into practical outcomes.
Investors were encouraged to identify businesses for further engagement.
Founders were urged to identify areas requiring improvement before seeking investment.
Experienced professionals and diaspora stakeholders were also encouraged to deploy their expertise, networks and capital more strategically.
Areola said the success of Investors Connect should not be measured by attendance alone.
She said the real impact should be reflected in investments made, partnerships created, businesses supported, new markets entered and jobs generated.
“Potential becomes progress when the right people, the right ideas and the right capital connect,” she said.
Next Stop: New York
Investors Connect London forms part of Vivacity Development’s broader international programme on investment, inclusive growth, enterprise development and the future of work.
The collaboration with Codub Consulting is also designed to strengthen connections between Nigerian businesses and international capital, expertise, markets and strategic partners.
The organisers said the next phase would focus on developing a stronger pipeline of investment-ready businesses.
They also plan to deepen connections among entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and international partners.
Following the London gathering, Vivacity Development is scheduled to continue its international engagement in New York on September 21, 2026.
The New York engagement will include a UNGA side event focused on work, innovation, opportunity and preparing the next generation for the global economy.
