The Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce is urging Nigerian business owners to tap into socio-economic opportunities in Slovenia to enhance their enterprises, promote Nigerian culture, and increase earnings. This call to action came from Mr. Uche Udungwor, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, during a recent Breakfast Business Forum held at the organization’s headquarters in Festac, Lagos.
The forum aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and inform Nigerian entrepreneurs about potential business opportunities in Slovenia. Udungwor highlighted that Slovenian businesses, through their Go Africa Project, seek partnerships in various sectors including machinery and equipment, engineering and construction, agro-allied industries, pharmaceuticals, mining, ICT, education, renewable energy, and auto and industrial parts.
According to Udungwor, Slovenian business owners are actively formalizing their investment interests in Nigeria’s oil and gas, natural gas, and solid minerals sectors by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant authorities. He noted that the Go Africa Project is backed by Slovenia’s Ministry of Economy and the public agency Spirit Slovenia, which focuses on investment, entrepreneurship, and internationalization.
Udungwor emphasized that Slovenia, with a population of 2.1 million and a stable economy, offers Nigerian investors a low-risk business environment. As a member of the European Union (EU), the Schengen group, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Slovenia presents a favorable landscape for business expansion.
To facilitate engagement, Udungwor encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to register with the Chamber for ₦50,000 as individuals or ₦100,000 for corporate bodies, allowing them to benefit from the guidance and trade facilitation services offered.
Additionally, the Chamber plans to organize an export expo aimed at encouraging Nigerians to export raw materials needed in Slovenia, including coal, ginger, coconut, groundnuts, and precious stones. Udungwor also noted that Nigerian students could take advantage of Slovenia’s robust education system by applying to study there.
Mr. Chukwuneye Obiesie, a participant at the forum, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that Slovenia’s knowledge-driven economy could effectively collaborate with Nigeria’s innovative talents to foster development in multiple sectors.
