The Republic of Guinea has made a bold move to attract Nigerian investors by opening its doors to massive development projects estimated to be worth $20 billion. This invitation was officially extended by the Guinean Ambassador to Nigeria, Siaka Cissoko, during a media briefing held at the Guinean Embassy in Abuja on Sunday. His message was clear—Nigerian companies are needed and welcomed to take part in Guinea’s ongoing mega initiatives.
Speaking with warmth and conviction, Ambassador Cissoko called on Nigerian businesses to look closely at the sectors where they hold strength and expertise. According to him, this is a valuable opportunity for companies in Nigeria to step into a new market and bring their capabilities to life. The ambassador particularly highlighted sectors like mining and infrastructure, noting that Guinea is eager to collaborate with Nigerian firms that are well-equipped to deliver results.
Cissoko pointed out that the current multibillion-dollar projects underway in Guinea are not just grand in scale—they are open and ready for Nigerian involvement. He noted that many Guinean entrepreneurs often travel as far as India and Pakistan to secure smaller-scale investments between $5 million and $10 million. However, these same kinds of opportunities can be found within Nigeria, yet often remain unnoticed due to a lack of adequate information flow between the two nations.
Emphasizing the importance of improving this information gap, Cissoko encouraged Nigerian businesses to step forward and take advantage of what Guinea has to offer. He explained that both countries are rich in natural resources, particularly in the mining sector, and that mutual economic growth is possible through better cooperation. He made a passionate case for the need to deepen commercial relationships, describing the existing ties between Nigeria and Guinea as strong but still full of untapped potential.
He praised the visit from the leadership of DICAN, a Nigerian-based organization, and expressed hope that this partnership could play a critical role in bridging the divide between Guinea and Nigeria. According to him, associations like DICAN can help spread more accurate and helpful information to Nigerian businesses that may not be fully aware of the opportunities available in Guinea.
He also touched on the perception gap that exists between the two countries. He noted that many people in Guinea form their views of Nigeria based on Nollywood films, which, while popular, don’t always provide the full picture. He believes that through this budding collaboration, more balanced and positive narratives can be shared, ultimately helping to foster deeper understanding and trust.
Ambassador Cissoko also highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian banks in Guinea. Institutions such as Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, First Bank, and Polaris Bank are already operating in Guinea, showing that financial cooperation is already underway. These existing partnerships, according to him, are proof that stronger economic ties are not only possible—they are already in motion.
In a gesture of goodwill and commitment to the future, the ambassador assured the DICAN delegation of Guinea’s readiness to work closely with them on various fronts. He mentioned information sharing, corporate sponsorship, skill training, and charitable activities as key areas for collaboration. He further invited DICAN to engage directly with the Guinean community living in Nigeria and provide coverage of their contributions and concerns.
Responding to the ambassador’s open hand of friendship, DICAN Chairman Fredrick Idehai expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and assured the embassy of the group’s full support. He affirmed the association’s willingness to help create lasting and productive partnerships that would benefit both nations.
In his closing remarks, Idehai said DICAN would always be available to support the embassy and contribute positively to this cross-border relationship. With the invitation now made public and clearly laid out, the stage is set for Nigerian businesses to step forward, explore new territory, and take part in shaping Guinea’s multi-billion-dollar transformation.
