Guinea Seeks Nigerian Partnerships in $20bn Mega Projects

By Iyojo Ameh

The Republic of Guinea is calling on Nigerian companies to explore and invest in ongoing mega-projects worth over $20 billion, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties between both West African nations.

Guinea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Siaka Cissoko, made this disclosure while receiving members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), who paid a courtesy visit to the Guinean Embassy in Abuja.

“As I speak to you, there is an ongoing mega multibillion-dollar project in Guinea, about $20 billion that could be handled by Nigerian companies,” Ambassador Cissoko revealed, expressing hope that the visit would mark the beginning of deeper cooperation and information exchange between the two countries.

He emphasized the historical and strategic importance of the Guinea-Nigeria relationship, noting that the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations present a solid foundation for stronger business collaboration.

“It is a good thing that a credible association like yours, the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, is paying us a courtesy visit. I know with this new partnership, Nigerians will be aware of the projects and key into it,” he stated.

The envoy lamented that Guinean businesses often look toward Asia for investment opportunities, overlooking Nigeria due to a lack of comprehensive information.

“Our businessmen always go to India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries to look for $5 million to $10 million business opportunities that could be gotten in Nigeria. They don’t have complete information,” Cissoko said.

He noted that Nigerian banks such as Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, and Polaris Bank are already operating in Guinea, showcasing a foundation upon which more Nigerian firms can build.

Highlighting Guinea’s vast mining potential, Cissoko said, “We are great mining countries, which Nigerian investors could leverage on the opportunity to invest in our country.”

The ambassador also pledged the embassy’s support to DICAN in areas such as sponsorship, training, information sharing, and charity initiatives. “We will support your charity work to ensure that you affect the lives of the less privileged in society,” he said.

He added that the embassy is open to further engagements and will involve DICAN in future visits to Guinean communities in Nigeria. “I’m pleased to inform you that, whenever we are going there, DICAN will be carried along.”

In response, DICAN Chairman, Mr. Fredrick Idehai, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and affirmed the association’s readiness to promote Guinea’s business and development agenda in Nigeria.

“DICAN is ready to share information on your business investments and development as part of the partnership,” he said, adding that, “we will be available to support the embassy at all times.”

Idehai reaffirmed DICAN’s commitment to professionalism and ethical journalism. “DICAN doesn’t play politics. We are professionals that keep to the ethics of our practice,” he said.

He also touched on the association’s philanthropic activities, stating, “We embark on charity work to impact humanity,” and underscored the need for effective information dissemination. “You may have the best of information about your country, but if you don’t push it out, no one will know what you are doing.”

Historically, Guinea and Nigeria have enjoyed close diplomatic relations since Guinea’s independence in 1958. Both nations have been at the forefront of regional cooperation and mutual development efforts, and this renewed call for economic partnership could usher in a new phase of bilateral progress.