Accor and Shoreline Group Launch Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform
Nigeria stands as France’s leading investment destination in Africa, with projections indicating that trade between the two nations could reach $4.7 billion by 2025. This insight emerged during the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting, held in conjunction with the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the meeting signifies a significant step forward, marking a transition from dialogue to actionable agreements between Nigeria and France. With the burgeoning trade relations and Nigeria’s status as the prime location for French investments in sub-Saharan Africa, he highlighted the economic importance of this relationship, urging that it should translate into job creation, industrial growth, and enhanced infrastructure.
During the meeting, key figures such as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister’s Representative, Nicolas Forissier, participated alongside representatives from major Nigerian and French corporations. They provided updates on ongoing projects and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
President Tinubu commended Mr. Aigboje Aig Imokwuede, the current Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, for orchestrating a successful session that united prominent stakeholders from both nations’ private sectors. His appreciation extended to industry leaders like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Tony Elumelu, as well as representatives from Total Energy and CMA CGM. Their attendance underscores a growing confidence in Nigeria’s reform initiatives and long-term competitiveness.
A highlight of the summit was the announcement of the partnership between Accor and Shoreline Group, which aims to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform. President Tinubu characterized this venture as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s potential in hospitality, tourism, and investment. He remarked that this partnership reflects a readiness for substantial investments aimed at job creation and capital development.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the business environment, assuring that reliable investors would receive robust support while reforms continue to foster a stable and competitive economy in Nigeria. He remarked on the encouraging message coming from the Africa Forward Summit: Nigeria is prepared for progress, France is actively engaged, and both nations’ private sectors are poised to advance together.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed optimism that the next chapter of Africa-Europe relations would manifest through diverse initiatives, including factories, hotels, ports, energy projects, technological advancements, agricultural developments, and new employment opportunities. With a focus on actionable outcomes, he envisions a vibrant future for economic cooperation between Africa and Europe.
