A global cross-border payments platform, Verto, says it has convened a UK–Nigeria Youth Entrepreneurship Forum in London, bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders to explore opportunities for Nigerian startups to scale globally.
The invite-only event, held on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, was organised in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
The forum, themed “Leveraging Youth Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” focused on strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and expanding access to global markets.
The event featured a keynote address by Verto’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ola Oyetayo, who emphasised the role of cross-border financial solutions in supporting African businesses.
According to him, the company’s mission is to connect African enterprises with global markets by simplifying international payments and enabling seamless business operations.
“We are helping SMEs move money across borders efficiently, empowering them to scale beyond local markets and participate in the global economy,” he said.
The forum was delivered in partnership with the Institute of Directors and ODBA, and attracted key stakeholders from both Nigeria and the UK.
Speakers at the event included Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii; Director-General of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Director at the UK Department for Business and Trade, Hannah Williams.
Discussions at the forum highlighted the growing momentum of youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria, while also addressing key challenges faced by startups, including access to funding, capacity building and scaling opportunities.
Participants noted that increased collaboration between government agencies, development partners and private sector stakeholders is critical to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth-driven enterprises.
The event also underscored the importance of the longstanding UK–Nigeria relationship in fostering innovation, investment and sustainable economic growth, with stakeholders expressing optimism about deeper cooperation to support emerging businesses.
Organisers said the forum reflects ongoing efforts to create pathways for Nigerian startups to expand internationally and contribute more significantly to the global economy.