ACCI, Bangladesh Chamber Explore Strategic Partnership to Empower Women Entrepreneurs, Strengthen Agricultural Value Chains
August 4, 2026
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has commenced discussions with a delegation from the Bangladesh Nigeria Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI), led by its President, Mr. Nazmul Hossain Khan, on a strategic partnership aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening agricultural value chains between Nigeria and Bangladesh.
The proposed collaboration seeks to promote trade and investment, enhance the capacity of women-owned businesses, and foster knowledge exchange in agriculture, healthcare, energy, and other key sectors of the economies of both countries.
The Bangladesh delegation was received at the Chamber on behalf of the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, by the Director General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, alongside members of the Chamber’s top management team.
Speaking during the meeting, the President of the Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nazmul Hossain Khan, said the visit was aimed at establishing direct business relationships with Nigeria to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, and other strategic sectors.
He noted that Bangladesh has a strong pharmaceutical industry, exporting medicines to more than 156 countries, and expressed the country’s desire to establish direct partnerships with Nigerian businesses rather than relying on intermediaries.
Mr. Khan also highlighted Bangladesh’s position as one of the world’s leading cotton-processing nations, stressing the importance of strengthening collaboration in the cotton value chain to support the growth of Nigeria’s textile industry. He added that the delegation is equally interested in exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas, energy, and other productive sectors.
In his remarks, the Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting initiatives that create value for its members and the Nigerian business community.
“We are here for business, and we welcome every initiative that will benefit our members. ACCI was established to create opportunities in agriculture, commerce, industry, trade, mining, investment, and other sectors of the economy. We are therefore open to partnerships that will deliver tangible value, particularly those that empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen our agricultural value chains,” he said.
Mr. Agabaidu expressed particular interest in the proposed agricultural initiatives, especially efforts to improve access to quality seedlings and other agricultural inputs for women farmers, noting that the initiative aligns with ACCI’s vision of promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable enterprise development.
The proposed partnership is expected to leverage the ACCI Women Enterprise Accelerator Programme (WEAP) as a platform for building the capacity of women-owned businesses, particularly those operating within the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, Dr. Bassey Archibong of Agropedia Ltd. explained that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen mutually beneficial business relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh. He identified healthcare, energy, and agriculture as the priority sectors for collaboration, with particular emphasis on revitalising Nigeria’s cotton value chain and expanding opportunities in the ginger and sesame value chains.
According to him, Bangladesh’s thriving textile industry has a significant demand for cotton and semi-processed cotton, creating substantial opportunities for Nigerian producers, processors, and investors. He added that the delegation has visited Nigeria on several occasions to explore sustainable investment opportunities and deepen commercial partnerships.
The Vice President of ACCI ICT, Engr. Lawunmi Ismail, described the proposed collaboration as a strategic opportunity to connect the Bangladesh delegation with the Chamber’s Women Enterprise Accelerator Programme. She explained that ACCI remains committed to empowering women farmers by improving access to quality agricultural inputs, business networks, market opportunities, and sustainable farming practices.
She further noted that ACCI’s credibility, extensive business network, and commitment to enterprise development position the Chamber as a trusted partner for international organisations seeking to implement impactful development initiatives in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a long-term partnership that will deepen trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh while creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs, agribusinesses, and the broader private sector.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy Officer
