Bridging global trade and investment barriers for Nigerian corporates
Doing business in Nigeria is traditionally an art of knowing the right people or trying your luck at networking events and trade fairs. I have lived in Lagos for over 4 years and I have spent more time and resources attending conferences and traveling for face-to-face meetings than anywhere else, and this will not change overnight. In today's digital world however, the rules of the game are being rewritten and we are seeing an increasing demand from companies looking for high-quality digital channels that can help them meet their growth objectives in a secure and efficient manner. As a result, digital business matchmaking is changing the way companies network and engage in trade and investment.
Businesses in Nigeria lack the tools and network of contacts needed to grow, invest and compete in a global market, and the current economic recession and lack of liquidity in the economy will allow only the most innovative to emerge successfully. In this context, I find Opportunity Network to be the business matchmaking platform making this difference, allowing CEOs of mid and large businesses to find trustworthy investors and partners to help them grow, expand into new markets, buy and sell privately held enterprises, execute cross-border mergers and acquisitions and maximise asset utilisation on a global level.
Banks also hold a unique responsibility in developing and growing the economy. They are the source of capital, the lenders for growth, while the government creates incentives to enhance the banks’ ability in doing so. However, the current recession and economic risks have limited both the government’s and the banks' available toolkit. Now more than ever, banks need to think out of the box. By partnering with Opportunity Network, banks gain exclusive insights into their clients' expansion plans and appetites for M&A activities, allowing the banks to become better advisors and encourage national growth.
The current economic downturn is changing the playing field for all businesses operating in Nigeria, and many companies are diversifying into new sectors like manufacturing or agriculture, for which they need technical and financial partners. Others are looking at M&A opportunities to help them become more efficient at what they do. Opportunity Network helps them find the perfect trade or investment partner on the other side of the deal. It is the perfect solution for Nigerian banks and corporates to harness the power of innovation to grow beyond borders.
