The Economist Events has announced Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as one of the confirmed speakers at this year’s edition of the Nigeria Summit.

“Minister Okonjo-Iweala will be joining 350 global leaders comprising government ministers, international investors and leaders of Nigerian society for the Nigeria Summit, scheduled for March 24th and 25th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos,” a statement by the organisers made available to News Express said.

According to the statement, “One of the key themes driving this year’s summit will be how Nigeria can turn its unprecedented economic growth into wider social prosperity. This discourse comes at a fascinating time in Nigeria’s development. A recently recalculated GDP suggests that Nigeria’s economy is now the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa. How Nigerian leaders employ this economic power to tackle poverty and uneven development, remains a key question for the country and potentially the strategic issue for the nation.

“As Nigeria reflects upon this historic milestone, delegates will be looking to the country’s future. Joined by key Government ministries, international investors, industry and business leaders, the summit will explore the next stage of Nigeria’s great economic and social transition.”

Apart from Okonjo-Iweala, the summit will feature key speakers including Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Minister for Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson; Special Representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs, Zhong Jianhua; Founder and Chairman, Indorama Corporation, Sri Prakash Lohia; and Managing Director of Investments and Secretary of the Investment Committee, Wendel Group, Stephane Bacquaert.

Other speakers include: Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties; Arunma Oteh, Director General, Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; and Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings.

The speakers will be addressing a series of strategic challenges and opportunities. Some of the big questions that will be under investigation include; what is Nigeria’s future relationship with global powers and major trading partners in Asia? How can economic growth be used to improve security and harmony in the country? Does the future look bright for Nigeria’s growth sectors, including agriculture, ICT, healthcare and financial services. And crucially how can Nigeria turn growth into wider prosperity?

The Summit is organised by The Economist Events and supported by the Platinum sponsors: Etisalat, FirstBank, GT Bank, Siemens and Standard Chartered; Gold sponsors: Accenture and Hangar 8; Silver sponsor Oando; Exhibitor sponsors Oracle and P&G; and Official logistics supplier: DHL.

Okey Enelamah, Chief Executive Officer of African Capital Alliance (ACA), a speaker at this year’s event has said: “We are proud to announce our affiliation with The Economist Events’ Nigeria Summit 2014. Nigeria’s sustained economic growth over the past decade together with its positive economic outlook makes the country a promising investment destination for foreign investors.” He added that private equity firms have become attractive vehicles for foreign investors seeking to invest in Nigeria.

•Photo shows Okonjo-Iweala.

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