BUSINESS SUMMIT 2025 SPOTLIGHTS INNOVATION AS KEY TO AFRICAN BUSINESS SURVIVAL

Lagos — Entrepreneurs and small business owners from across Lagos gathered last Saturday at The Emunah Conference Centre, Shasha, Akowonjo, for the 2025 edition of the Business Summit, an annual entrepreneurship and leadership forum powered by the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation and supported by the Bank of Industry.

With the theme “Thriving Through Innovation: Future-Proofing African Businesses in a Shifting & Challenging Economy,” the summit addressed the urgent need for African businesses to embrace creativity, technology and strategic adaptation as economic conditions continue to evolve.

This year’s edition featured a diverse lineup of seasoned speakers and industry professionals, including Prince Arheghan, Chairman of Karotiz Couture; Dr. Jamie Pajoel, Founder/CEO of JMP Leadership Institute, Canada; business strategist Olushola Olayeye; financial coach Coach Nancy; media personality Treasure Kalu; Gabi Media founder Gabriel J. Nissim; and event host Carol Arheghan, Creative Director/CEO of Karotiz Couture. Their presentations covered leadership mindset, digital tools for growth, brand positioning, sustainability practices, and strategies for building resilient businesses in uncertain times.

In a major highlight of the day, the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation awarded ₦2 million in grants to four emerging entrepreneurs, each receiving ₦500,000 to scale their ventures. The gesture was widely commended and emphasized the foundation’s ongoing investment in grassroots business development and youth empowerment.

The event, which was open to the public at no cost, offered participants opportunities to network with experts, investors and fellow entrepreneurs. Attendees described the summit as insightful and well-timed, noting that it provided both clarity and motivation as many businesses continue to adapt to shifts in consumer behaviour, increased operational expenses and rapid technological change.

Held on November 29, 2025, the Business Summit 2025 reinforced the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation’s mission to support entrepreneurship, leadership growth and economic advancement across Africa. Through initiatives like this, the foundation continues to nurture innovative ideas and empower business owners to thrive in a competitive landscape.