Lagos became the epicenter of a major push for Africa's economic transformation as global investors, innovators, and policy makers gathered for the inaugural Loveworld Trade & Investment Forum (LTIF). Held on Friday, November 22, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, the event marked a significant moment for international finance and trade on the continent.
Trust as the New Currency for African Growth
The forum, anchored on the powerful theme 'Trust, Trade and Transformation,' placed a strong emphasis on rebuilding credibility in cross-border business. Participants from North America, Europe, Asia, and across Africa engaged in deep conversations about creating sustainable investment pathways. These investments are seen as vital for boosting Africa's production capacity, accelerating technology adoption, and enhancing trade competitiveness on the global stage.
During a keynote conversation, Mr. Olu Oyinsan, Managing Partner at Oui Capital, set a compelling tone. He declared that trust has now surpassed both capital and technology as the most valuable asset in global commerce. "Trust is the bedrock of every enduring enterprise," he stated. "It governs our ethics, fuels collaborations and anchors relevance. It is the currency that strengthens nations and unlocks possibilities."
Leveraging Technology and Policy for a Competitive Edge
The plenary sessions delved into the next wave of transformative technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. Delegates analyzed how these innovations are reshaping global trade rules and explored concrete strategies to position African businesses to benefit. Key discussion points included:
- Establishing regional manufacturing hubs.
- Improving the regulatory environment for business.
- Strengthening mechanisms for investor protection.
Africa's growing influence in global markets was a major focus, with specific attention on unlocking capital for SMEs and expanding trade within the continent. The strategic role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in attracting multinational supply chains was thoroughly examined.
Building a Catalytic Marketplace for Leaders and Investors
Sister Stephanie Oforka, Head of Commerce at Loveworld, described the LTIF as a catalytic marketplace designed to forge powerful partnerships. She emphasized that the forum's goal is to create alliances capable of transforming entire industries, communities, and national economies. "This forum is filled with individuals whose light is meant to illuminate industries, policies and the future of nations," she remarked.
The event featured contributions from Loveworld CEO, Pastor Yemisi Kudehinbu, alongside other top executives, investors, and business leaders. They led sessions on critical topics such as capital access, sustainable development, ethical investing, and global expansion strategies.
Participants widely praised the forum for its practical outcomes, which included facilitating new alliances and unveiling concrete investment leads. Many noted that the strong emphasis on trust and ethical business practices is a crucial step towards de-risking African markets. This, in turn, is expected to attract higher levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) by reducing the risk premiums often associated with African economies.
With its successful debut, the Loveworld Trade & Investment Forum has not only provided a robust platform for ethical economic discourse but has also significantly strengthened Lagos's positioning as a strategic gateway for global capital, innovation, and trade. The event has further underscored Africa's readiness to claim a more prominent and influential role in the evolving global economic order.
