The Nigeria-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NVCCI) has announced plans to involve more young entrepreneurs and start-up innovators in its future development programmes. The move is aimed at creating a stronger system that supports youth participation, innovation, and economic growth.
The decision was reached during the 2026 NVCCI Business Meeting held in Lagos on March 27 under the leadership of the chamber’s president, Oye Akinsemoyin.
According to resolutions contained in a communique issued after the meeting, the chamber wants to build a long-term platform that allows young Nigerians with creative and disruptive business ideas to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The chamber explained that the initiative would bring together government institutions, private sector organisations, and international partners to create what it described as a “lasting youth-driven contribution ecosystem.” The plan is expected to encourage collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship among young people.
NVCCI stated that many youth-led start-ups with unique ideas would be integrated into its future planning and development programmes. The organisation believes this approach will open opportunities for young innovators while also strengthening trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Vietnam.
Part of the discussions at the meeting also focused on preparations for the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition scheduled to hold in July 2026. The chamber revealed plans for a seven-day public-private partnership delegation to Vietnam between July 26 and August 2, 2026.
The trip will cover Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to involve Nigerian government officials, private investors, business owners, and trade stakeholders.
According to the communique, the chamber will work closely with Vietnamese organisations, including VINEXAD, organisers of the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition, as well as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Interestingly, Vietnamese partners reportedly monitored the Lagos business meeting through live streaming, showing the growing cooperation between both countries.
To ensure smooth coordination of the Vietnam trip, the chamber approved the appointment of official travel advisers, protocol officers, tour guides, transport coordinators, and financial advisers who will support the delegation throughout the programme.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development was also named as the lead government partner for the initiative. The ministry is expected to work with NVCCI from the planning stage to the final implementation of the programme under an agreed roadmap.
In addition, stakeholders agreed to prepare a strategic development plan that would later be submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry for approval. Funding strategies, sponsorship plans, and timelines will also be developed jointly by the chamber and the ministry.
The chamber further announced plans to hold regular virtual planning meetings while also using digital tools such as websites and online applications for publicity, registration, monitoring, and evaluation of activities.
Speaking on the upcoming Vietnam visit, Akinsemoyin explained that the first phase of the delegation would take place in Hanoi, where Nigerian and Vietnamese officials would spend two days discussing opportunities for government collaboration and bilateral partnerships.
He added that the trip would also feature a special Nigeria-Vietnam Business Investment Forum before delegates move to Ho Chi Minh City for the 4th Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition scheduled for July 30 to August 1, 2026.
According to him, the exhibition will focus on logistics and supply chain management while also featuring a mini “Products of Nigeria Exhibition 2026” aimed at promoting Nigerian products and businesses internationally.
Akinsemoyin described Ho Chi Minh City as Vietnam’s commercial hub and one of the country’s major port cities, making it an important destination for trade and investment discussions.
