Abuja to Host Elite Brunch Summit on Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment

Abuja is set to host the Elite Brunch Summit 2026, an event designed to bring business leaders, policymakers, security stakeholders and young entrepreneurs together to discuss entrepreneurship, mentorship and value-chain development.

The summit is scheduled to hold on October 3, 2026, under the theme, “Entrepreneurship and Mentorship: Building the Nation’s Future Through Value Chain Creation.” Attendance will be by invitation and prior registration.

Organisers said the summit would focus on equipping young Nigerians with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship opportunities and market access. They said the aim is to help participants develop sustainable businesses, create jobs and reduce youth idleness.

Convener of the summit, Ambassador Angel Twani, said entrepreneurship could become a stronger tool for national development when young people are connected to the right knowledge, networks and markets. She explained that the event would go beyond speeches by creating opportunities for participants to learn from experienced business leaders and explore areas where new enterprises can thrive.

The summit will focus on value-chain creation across several sectors, including agribusiness, technology, digital innovation, creative industries, manufacturing, food and beverage processing and multimedia production. These sectors were selected because they offer opportunities for young people to build businesses while also supporting wider economic activity.

In agriculture, for example, participants are expected to examine opportunities beyond primary production. Instead of focusing only on farming, entrepreneurs can create businesses in processing, packaging, logistics, storage, marketing and distribution. Such value-chain activities can generate more employment and help reduce waste between the farm and the final consumer.

The technology and digital innovation sessions are expected to address the growing demand for software development, digital services, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and online business solutions. With more Nigerians using digital platforms for commerce, education and communication, organisers believe that young people with relevant skills can build enterprises capable of serving both local and international markets.

The creative industry will also feature prominently. Participants may explore opportunities in film, music, fashion, content production, photography, design and multimedia. These areas have become important sources of employment and income for young Nigerians, but many creative entrepreneurs still need better access to finance, business training and distribution networks.

Manufacturing and food processing will provide another area of discussion. Small businesses in these sectors often struggle with high operating costs, limited access to equipment and difficulties in reaching larger markets. The summit is expected to examine how partnerships, mentorship and better market access can help emerging businesses scale beyond informal operations. [vanguardngr]

Mentorship is central to the programme. Organisers say experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders will share practical lessons on starting, managing and expanding enterprises. For young founders, such guidance can help them avoid common mistakes, understand customer needs and develop more realistic plans for growth.

The summit will also explore the connection between entrepreneurship and national security. Organisers argue that productive engagement and access to income opportunities can help reduce youth idleness and vulnerability to criminal recruitment. Their position is that employment and enterprise development should be treated not only as economic priorities but also as part of a broader national security strategy.

The event comes at a time when youth unemployment, underemployment and rising living costs remain major concerns in Nigeria. With young people making up a large share of the population, policymakers and businesses are under increasing pressure to create pathways to decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

Other youth entrepreneurship platforms have taken a similar approach by connecting young people with grants, business training, policymakers and private-sector partners. The National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme, for example, has brought together government agencies, companies and development organisations to support emerging entrepreneurs.

The organisers of the Elite Brunch Summit said they expect the event to stimulate new and expanded businesses over the 12 months following the programme. They also hope it will strengthen corporate-youth partnerships and encourage more investment in young-led enterprises.

However, the success of the summit will depend on what happens after the discussions. Young entrepreneurs need more than inspiration; they also require affordable finance, stable electricity, reliable internet, supportive regulation, access to markets and security for their businesses.

For participants, the Abuja gathering is expected to provide an opportunity to build relationships, learn from experienced professionals and identify practical areas for collaboration. For organisers, it is a chance to promote entrepreneurship as a tool for job creation, economic growth and national stability.

With its focus on mentorship and value-chain development, the Elite Brunch Summit 2026 aims to move the youth empowerment conversation from general promises to practical enterprise opportunities.