Against the backdrop of economic uncertainty and shifting markets, the 5th edition of the Doing Business in Nigeria Conference (DBNC) made a bold statement: Nigerian businesses are ready to lead.
Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos and convened by Linda Uneze, Founder of Maurice Xandra Solutions, the event left behind more than memories. It sparked a movement.
Held under the timely and resonant theme “Navigating the Storm: Thriving in a Transforming Nigeria,” DBNC 2025 was a masterclass in vision, strategy, and connection.
At a time when Nigeria’s economic terrain continues to shift, the conference offered what many have long sought: bold conversations, practical solutions, and a renewed sense of collective ambition.
From start to finish, the conference brought together a diverse and influential mix of business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Attendees were immersed in a series of thought-provoking discussions led by some of the most respected voices across industries, including Tonye Cole, Fola Aiyesimoju, Paul Onwuanibe, JoEllen Gorg, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Uju Catherine Ifejika, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Jude Chiemeka, Guillaume Niarfeix, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Ifeanyi Akosionu, Njideka Jack, Stella Duru, Dr. Ayo Adegboye, Mark Igbinedion, Sophie Ejegi, and Katharina Link.
Each speaker took the stage with a singular mission: to break down complex challenges and offer real-world solutions that Nigerian businesses can embrace from securing funding and dealing with regulatory shifts to exploring digital transformation and embracing sustainability. Despite the uncertainties in the market, the consistent takeaway was clear: Nigerian businesses can thrive by remaining adaptable, innovative, and deeply connected to both the local and global business communities.
One of the day’s most anticipated highlights, the Business Pitch Competition, did not disappoint. It showcased the creativity and drive of Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Featuring four standout ventures, the competition brought fresh, solution-driven ideas to the forefront. The winning pitch QIQI Farms earned more than just a grant. It opened doors to mentorship, strategic support, and a growing ecosystem of business enablers. This was a clear reflection of DBNC’s commitment to empowering startups and translating potential into impact.
The networking sessions and exhibition engagements added another powerful layer to the day’s experience. From early-stage founders to top-tier executives, purposeful conversations flowed, sparking new ideas, revealing potential collaborations, and planting the seeds for lasting partnerships. These interactions underscored one of DBNC 2025’s greatest strengths: its ability to foster real connections that translate into tangible business outcomes.
What sets DBNC apart is not just its curation of content or the caliber of its attendees. It is its ethos. The conference served as a living example of the power of dialogue, the necessity of collective thinking, and the urgency of action. As businesses across the country face the dual challenge of uncertainty and opportunity, DBNC 2025 provided a rare and timely space for reflection, strategy, and connection.
The success of DBNC 2025 would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors, partners, and exhibitors. Their contributions helped ensure the event’s success and underscored the collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s business ecosystem. From the opening session to the closing remarks, DBNC 2025 demonstrated the power of collaboration showing that when the right people come together, great things can happen.
As DBNC 2025 draws to a close, it is clear that the conference has sparked more than just conversations it has ignited a movement. The connections made, the ideas shared, and the partnerships forged will continue to fuel the efforts of Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators. The conference has set a strong foundation for the future of business in Nigeria, empowering the next generation of leaders to face challenges with confidence, creativity, and resilience.
