The Youth Energy Summit, part of the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, aims to build a 100 million-strong youth network, promote career opportunities and attract global investment into Nigeria’s energy and mining sectors.
Organisers of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria have unveiled plans to build a 100 million-strong youth network through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, government institutions, educational organisations and development partners.
The summit, scheduled for November 20, forms part of activities for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, organised by EnergyNet Ltd. with the support of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the expo in Abuja on Thursday, Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, said the initiative is designed to increase youth participation in Nigeria’s economic and energy transformation.
According to Sylla, the summit will create a platform where young Nigerians can engage directly with key stakeholders capable of advancing their careers and expanding opportunities in the energy sector.
“It gives the leverage for young people to also come in and meet with the necessary set of stakeholders that can push their career advancement forward,” he said.
Sylla disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from across the world are expected to participate in the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet intends to establish the expo as an annual flagship investment event in Nigeria.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s enormous economic potential, the country has not attracted foreign direct investment at the level expected over the past 15 years, explaining that the expo seeks to reverse that trend.
The event will serve as a national platform bringing together international investors, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers to accelerate investments across critical sectors.
These sectors include energy, mining, infrastructure and airports, with participants expected to examine viable projects and develop strategies for their implementation.
Also speaking, Damilola Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria, said the initiative is designed to position young people as active contributors to sustainable national development.
Balogun stressed that achieving Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan target of attaining net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 would require equipping young Nigerians with the right skills, knowledge and career opportunities.
He added that the summit would connect participants with partners and stakeholders involved in the Nigeria NOW! investment programme, opening pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo as a strategic platform for linking credible investment projects with local and international investors while strengthening public-private collaboration.
Represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Mr. Obadiah Nkom, the minister said Nigeria is committed to diversifying its economy by expanding opportunities across mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.
He said the expo aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
According to Alake, the event will enable investors to gain a better understanding of available projects, government policies and partnership opportunities across the country.
He explained that the participation of ministries overseeing industry, trade and investment, power and petroleum resources reflects the cross-sectoral nature of the investment programme.
The minister also emphasised the critical role of state governments, noting that many investment opportunities and mineral resources are located within states and host communities.
He urged organisers to provide states with opportunities to showcase priority projects, infrastructure needs and investment prospects while encouraging stronger collaboration among governments, investors and host communities.
Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting responsible investments that create jobs, strengthen local industries, facilitate technology transfer and contribute to sustainable national development.
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