Inspired to Lead Initiative

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 November 2026

Five days,
one transformative arc.

Exhibition Pavilion, Beside the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Central Business District, Abuja.

Signature Recurring Series

MEET THE CEOs

Recurring across Days 1, 2 & 3

“An interactive conversation series bringing entrepreneurs, CEOs and business leaders together to discuss enterprise growth, branding, market access, sustainability, trade and opportunities for Nigerian businesses.”

Day 1Tuesday

Leadership, Enterprise Scaling & Non-Oil Vision

• Panelists to be announced progressively •
Day 2Wednesday

Market Access, Policy Support & Global Competitiveness

• Panelists to be announced progressively •
Day 3Thursday

Creative Economy, Trade Linkages & Brand Equity

• Panelists to be announced progressively •
01Day 1

Tuesday, 10 November 2026

Opening Ceremony for Skills Festival / The Dialogue

Official grand opening of the skills festival featuring opening ceremony, high-level ministerial addresses, inspirational keynote presentation, insightful sessions from distinguished guest speakers, and the interactive Meet the CEOs panel.

Signature Series: Meet the CEOs (Day 1)

Day 1 Panel Theme: Leadership, Enterprise Scaling & Non-Oil Vision. (Panelists to be announced progressively)

02Day 2

Wednesday, 11 November 2026

The Dialogue

Strategic policy dialogues and government support frameworks for enterprise, the Minister’s speech, visionary keynote, presentations from guest speakers, and the Meet the CEOs panel.

Signature Series: Meet the CEOs (Day 2)

Day 2 Panel Theme: Market Access, Policy Support & Global Competitiveness. (Panelists to be announced progressively)

Facilitating ministries, agencies & partners

  • Office of the Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion
  • Federal Ministry of Industry Trade & Investment
  • Bank of Industry
  • Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety
  • SMEDAN
  • Federal Ministry of Finance
  • Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
  • Bank of Agriculture
  • Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology
  • Federal Ministry of Youths Development
  • Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
  • Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning
  • Federal Ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy
  • NEXIM Bank
  • NIPC
  • NEPC
  • International Partners
  • Investors (Banks etc.)
  • AfCFTA
03Day 3 (Morning)

Thursday, 12 November 2026

Opening of Trade Fair / Trade Dialogue

Official launch of the multi-sector trade exhibition booths, visionary keynote, guest speaker presentations, and the interactive Meet the CEOs panel.

Signature Series: Meet the CEOs (Day 3)

Day 3 Panel Theme: Creative Economy, Trade Linkages & Brand Equity. (Panelists to be announced progressively)

03Day 3 (Afternoon)

Thursday, 12 November 2026

Fair After Dark

The official evening meeting carnival of the National Fair. When the day's trade concludes, Abuja lights up with live concerts, DJ sets, comedy, executive networking lounges, gourmet food, and vibrant networking energy.

04Day 4 (Morning)

Friday, 13 November 2026

Pitch-A-Thon – Business & MSME Pitches

High-stakes daytime Pitch-A-Thon competition featuring live business and MSME pitches before seasoned investors and venture partners for seed funds and startup grants.

04Day 4 (Evening)

Friday, 13 November 2026

Gala, Dinner and Award Night

The prestigious evening Gala, Dinner and Award Night celebrating non-oil economic champions, featuring the launch of the landmark empowerment initiative, executive keynote, royal dignitaries, and enterprise awards.

05Day 5 (Morning)

Saturday, 14 November 2026

Official Closing Ceremony

The official closing ceremony marking the conclusion of the summit sessions, presentation of participant certificates, summary of policy resolutions, and valedictory addresses.

05Day 5 (Afternoon)

Saturday, 14 November 2026

Cultural Festival & Grand Finale Spectacular

The exuberant nationwide grand finale celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage, enterprise, and cultural identity with historic dance troupes, indigenous artisan displays, high-fashion runway, masquerade performances, regional food villages, and living heritage from all 36 States and FCT.

Save your place across all five days

One registration confirms your seat for keynotes, training, trade exhibitions, pitch sessions, and the gala dinner.

Register now