French Investment in Nigeria Expands: Trade Hits $4.7 Billion

French investment in Nigeria is no longer a diplomatic talking point. It is a fast-moving commercial story, with retail, hospitality, logistics, agribusiness and infrastructure all in play. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $4.7 billion in 2025, and over one hundred French companies operate directly in Nigeria. Here is what the record shows, what the numbers do and do not say, and where the risks sit.

With new capital flowing into retail, hospitality, logistics, agribusiness, infrastructure, technology and energy, French investment in Nigeria is entering one of its strongest periods in recent years. The growing commercial relationship reflects a significant shift from diplomatic engagement toward tangible investment projects, business partnerships and long-term economic cooperation.

Bilateral trade between Nigeria and France reached US$4.7 billion in 2025, while more than 100 French companies now operate across Nigeria. France’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Nigeria also stood at €8.1 billion in 2025, underlining the country’s position as one of France’s most important economic partners in Africa.

The announcements illustrate growing European confidence in Nigeria despite persistent macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, exchange-rate volatility and infrastructure deficits. They also reinforce Nigeria’s position as France’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bilateral Trade Reaches $4.7 Billion

Favier described Nigeria as France’s leading trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the increasing importance of the Nigerian market for French businesses.

More Than 100 French Companies Now Operate in Nigeria

French businesses already have a substantial presence across the Nigerian economy.

According to Laurent Favier, over 100 French companies currently operate in Nigeria across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, insurance, logistics, transport, infrastructure and hospitality.

Collectively, these companies generate approximately 14,000 direct local jobs, demonstrating that French investment extends beyond capital inflows into employment creation and skills development.

French retail giant Carrefour is increasing its presence in Nigeria’s consumer market, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s long-term consumer spending potential despite current economic pressures.

The expansion also signals that international retailers continue to view Nigeria’s large population and expanding urban middle class as attractive growth opportunities.

Hospitality Sector, Logistics and Infrastructure Continue to Attract French Investors

In hospitality, French hotel group Accor and Shoreline Group agreed to create Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, which the Presidency read as growing confidence in Nigerian hospitality and tourism.

Hospitality has emerged as another major destination for French capital.

Business travel and urban development continue to create demand for modern hospitality infrastructure. Earlier in 2026, President Bola Tinubu welcomed the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

Infrastructure as well remains one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria-France economic cooperation.

Among the most notable projects is the Gateway Deep Sea Port alongside the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, where agreements were advanced in Paris during President Bola Tinubu’s September 2026 visit to France.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port also represents another important area of French participation. French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM has agreed to operate the container terminal at the port, which features:

A 14-metre draft. An annual handling capacity of approximately 2.5 million TEUs. The project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s international trade competitiveness while improving logistics efficiency.

Omi Eko Project Will Modernise Lagos Water Transport

Consul General Laurent Favier said cooperation had gained “remarkable momentum”.

He also met Vincent Bolloré, whose group has interests in Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group, and that the group confirmed plans to deepen its Nigerian operations in film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.

Agribusiness Cooperation Is Expanding

In agribusiness, a Franco-Nigerian Agri-Business Club was recently created to help French players invest in agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and cutting post-harvest losses. Energy remains the anchor. TotalEnergies took a 2024 final investment decision with NNPC on the Ubeta gas field, earmarked to feed Nigeria LNG Train 7.

The initiative also aims to help Nigerian agricultural producers gain better access to European markets while encouraging French agribusiness firms to invest locally.

The Money Flows Both Ways

The commercial relationship is increasingly becoming two-way rather than one-directional. The French Consul General notes that most of Nigeria’s biggest banks, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA and First Bank, are now present in France, with Access Bank opening a French Desk in Paris. Nigerian agribusinesses JR Farms and Babafood have set up there, tech start-up GecX60 has an R&D centre in Blagnac, and Convexity plans its first European office in Paris.

Over 17 years, AFD has supported 57 projects across 23 states with more than €3.3 billion in financing, including over €1.1 billion through its private-sector arm Proparco, and more than one million Nigerians have gained access to safe drinking water through French-backed projects. That groundwork is a big reason French firms feel comfortable committing capital.

He also disclosed that Flour Mills of Nigeria Group has expressed interest in expanding into the French market. Nigeria also participated in the International Agriculture Show in France in 2026, marking its second appearance after participating in 2024.

Financial services are becoming another important bridge between both economies.

According to Laurent Favier, Access Bank has opened a French Desk in Paris, while Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa and First Bank of Nigeria have established a presence in France.

These developments are expected to facilitate trade finance, investment services and cross-border business transactions.

Technology Cooperation Continues to Grow

Technology is another emerging area of collaboration. French officials disclosed that Nigerian Internet of Things startup GecX60 has established a research and development centre within the Orange Group incubator in Blagnac, France.

Meanwhile, Nigerian blockchain consultancy Convexity is preparing to establish its first European office in Paris. These developments illustrate expanding cooperation beyond traditional sectors into innovation and digital technology.

President Tinubu Says Partnership Has Entered “Execution Phase” during the 10th France–Nigeria Business Council Meeting held on May 13, 2026, President Bola Tinubu described the evolving relationship as entering a new stage.

The president also stated that Nigeria would continue implementing reforms designed to improve competitiveness and attract credible investors.

Conclusion

French investment in Nigeria has genuine substance. It is backed by more than 100 companies, 14,000 to 16,000 direct jobs, a French investment stock of €8.1 billion, and high-level deal-making in Paris this September.

The French investment could play an increasingly important role in supporting Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation and integration into global value chains over the coming years, if ongoing reforms continue and announced projects are delivered successfully.

Follow Amebopreneur for the latest on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, startup funding opportunities, and the cross-border partnerships shaping Africa’s innovation future.