International Youth Day (August 12) provides an annual opportunity to recognize the potential, innovation, and leadership of young people in shaping a better future. The 2025 theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” calls attention to the role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—from climate action and inclusive governance to digital innovation and economic equity. With a growing youth population, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. Young people are not only the most affected by environmental degradation, economic uncertainty, and social instability—they are also the most equipped to lead change. Across the country, youth are launching climate movements, building civic tech tools, creating green enterprises, and advocating for inclusive policies. This podcast brings together thought leaders from the Youth Community of Practice (CoP) to explore: · What true youth empowerment looks like in Nigeria today, · How young people are advancing sustainability across sectors, and · What systems and policy shifts are needed to accelerate youth-driven impact. By drawing insights from the areas of climate action, governance, and digital empowerment, the discussion will highlight cross-sectoral approaches for unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s youth.

World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, is a United Nations initiative aimed at celebrating the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The 2025 theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” underscores the urgent need to prepare youth for a fast-evolving, technology-driven future. In Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under 25, AI and digital technology offer transformative potential. From education to health, agriculture to governance, digital tools are rapidly reshaping how services are delivered and how young people live, learn, and work. Yet, this transformation also comes with growing concerns around digital inequality, unemployment, and the skills gap between the demands of the global economy and the training many young Nigerians currently receive. World Youth Skills Day 2025 emphasizes the growing need for young people to acquire future-ready skills—especially in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology—to thrive in the 21st-century economy. As the nature of work continues to evolve, digital transformation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for youth empowerment, especially in developing economies like Nigeria. As AI tools become more embedded in daily life—through automation, data analytics, and digital platforms—young people must not only be users, but also creators, innovators, and ethical leaders in the space. However, the reality is that many Nigerian youth lack access to quality training, internet infrastructure, or supportive ecosystems to fully benefit from these shifts. This podcast provides a platform to reflect on: • The current state of youth digital readiness in Nigeria, • The potential of AI and digital skills to drive inclusion, productivity, and innovation, • And the collaborative efforts needed from policymakers, educators, private sector, and youth themselves to close the digital divide.

Today is World MSME Day 2025! Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the engine of Nigeria’s economy. Yet, many MSMEs still grapple with barriers like limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, weak market connections, and low digital inclusion. To commemorate the #MSMEDay2025, we’re spotlighting a special podcast discussion focused on how we can build stronger linkages between MSMEs, support institutions, and market players. This conversation dives into practical strategies and frameworks to better connect entrepreneurs across sectors, regions, and value chains — with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. 🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement to empower Nigeria’s MSMEs! #WorldMSMEDay #MSMEs #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveGrowth #NigeriaEconomy #NESG

Nigeria stands at a demographic crossroads, with its youthful population offering both a tremendous opportunity and a potential challenge. As the nation’s population continues to grow rapidly, the need for evidence-based planning has never been more urgent. Youth unemployment, skills mismatch, and limited access to economic opportunities are persistent issues. However, with effective population planning, these challenges can be transformed into a demographic dividend. This podcast episode seeks to explore how population data and planning can drive smarter, evidence-based employment strategies and inclusive development policies. It will delve into the critical role of data-driven decision-making in aligning population trends with job creation, education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment programs. Objectives: • To highlight the connection between population dynamics and national development. • To discuss how youth-focused policies can be better designed using population data. • To explore innovative approaches to employment creation that are aligned with Nigeria’s demographic realities.

Food safety is a public health and development priority. This year’s theme “Food Safety: Science in Action” highlights the urgent need to strengthen food systems through research, innovation, and science-based regulation. On this episode, we speak with Nicholas Alifa, PhD Researcher in Food Science at the University of Reading, on the role of science in building safer, more resilient food systems. Moderated by Stephen Daniel, Senior Associate, Think Tank Operations, NESG

This World Environment Day 2025, we’re confronting a growing crisis. Plastic waste is choking our cities, polluting our waters, and threatening public health. To mark the 2025 campaign themed “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) brings you a special podcast episode featuring a powerful conversation on solutions for Nigeria. Engr. Nyananso Ekanem and Dr. Femi Idowu-Adegoke unpack the scale of the problem and explore bold strategies for change — from policy to innovation — in a session moderated by Stephen Daniel.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Stanbic IBTC released the March 2025 edition of the monthly Business Confidence Monitor Report. This report provides vital insights into the current business climate in Nigeria, including the levels of optimism, challenges, and economic indicators influencing business operations. As a key gauge of the private sector’s perception of the economy, the Business Confidence Monitor offers an invaluable lens through which businesses, policymakers, and investors can assess current conditions and anticipate future trends. Businesses in Nigeria reported a sustained positive business for the third consecutive month in 2025, signalling favourable business conditions in the year. As a result, the current Business Performance Index for March 2025 stands at +6.58, a weakly positive business performance and a slight decline compared to +11.50 points in February 2025. Although not the top challenge this month, the high cost of commercial lease/rental property remains among the top three business challenges in the last two months. Other top-ranking business challenges include inadequate power supply, limited access to financing, and economic uncertainties.

In alignment with the World Health Day 2025 theme—Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures—our new podcast episode, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Ending Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths, is now live! Tune in as we spotlight the urgent need for governments and the global health community to intensify efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths while prioritising women's long-term health and well-being. 🎧 Key discussion areas include: • The State of Maternal and Newborn Health in Nigeria • Access to Quality Care and Health System Strengthening • Equity, Community Engagement, and Cultural Barriers • Innovation, Data, and Accountability Featuring esteemed health sector experts, this powerful discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges, policy recommendations, and innovative strategies shaping the future of maternal and newborn health in Nigeria and beyond.

With Africa’s energy transition in full swing, strategic alliances are more important than ever. How can Belgium’s expertise and investments shape Nigeria’s energy landscape? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead? Join Francis Jakpor as he speaks with Thomas De Beule, Head of the Bilateral Section for Nigeria at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture for Belgium, Luxembourg, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The insights could redefine energy collaboration—don’t miss it!

The 2025 World Water Day focuses on Glacier Preservation, highlighting the urgent need to protect the world’s glaciers, which are melting at an alarming rate due to climate change. Glaciers serve as critical freshwater reserves, regulating water availability for millions of people and supporting ecosystems worldwide. They play critical role in sustaining water supplies and maintaining ecosystem stability. However, glaciers are melting faster than ever due to climate change, leading to unpredictable water cycles and extreme events such as floods, droughts, and sea-level rise. The rapid loss of glaciers also disrupts water cycles, increases natural disasters, and threatens water security globally Consequently, the 2025 observance emphasizes the urgent need for global action to manage meltwater sustainably, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure long-term water security, reduce climate risks, and preserve natural ecosystems – aiming to protect communities and ecosystems dependent on these vital water resources. On this episode of #NESGRadio, we discussed the topic of World Water Day with Engineer Ekanem and Pedi Obani, PhD.

In this special edition of the NESG podcast, we explore the critical role of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in accelerating action toward gender-inclusive growth in Nigeria. As Africa’s leading think tank, NESG has been at the forefront of economic transformation for over 30 years, driving strategic reforms, policy advocacy, and institutional strengthening. This episode highlights NESG’s efforts in championing gender inclusivity across key sectors, focusing on: 🔹 Workforce Management 🔹 Corporate Governance 🔹 Gender Policy 🔹 Legislative Advocacy Featuring insights from esteemed NESG leaders, this conversation delves into how gender equity is being integrated into Nigeria’s economic and policy landscape, fostering meaningful and sustainable change. Tune in to be part of the movement toward a more inclusive future!

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a heat stress warning following a surge in temperatures across the country, with several states experiencing extreme heat conditions. This podcast aims to delve into the underlying causes of heatwaves, their connection to climate change, and practical steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate their effects. Abbas Agbaje provides expert insights and guidance on understanding climate change in the Nigerian context and offers actionable advice on how listeners can adapt to and cope with rising temperatures.

Can Nigeria Reverse Its Carbon Footprint? Fossil fuels power our economy, but at what cost? Engr. Chibueze Ekeh, CEO of CEESOLAR Energy Limited, joins Francis Jakpor, ANIPR to discuss Nigeria’s clean #energytransition and the road to net zero by 2060.

The 2025 Macroeconomic Outlook by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), themed "Stabilisation in Transition: Rethinking Reform Strategies for 2025 and Beyond," offers a roadmap for navigating Nigeria's economic landscape amidst shifting global and local dynamics. This podcast aims to dissect the report, engaging experts to explore the key takeaways, opportunities, and challenges for stakeholders across sectors.

In 2025, millions of rural Nigerians still lack reliable electricity, limiting growth and development opportunities. But clean energy solutions such as mini-grids are transforming the landscape. In this interview with Sheriff Aderibigbe, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, shares how the Agency is combating energy poverty and unlocking the potential of rural communities across the country. Discover how innovation is lighting the way to a brighter future!

Despite the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company's (AEDC) strides in upgrading power infrastructure and sensitising customers, frequent outages continue to affect businesses and daily life in the FCT. Why does this persist? AEDC MD, Chijioke Okwuokenye, sits with Francis Jakpor to uncover the challenges and chart a path towards sustainable electricity supply for Abuja.

The International Day of Clean Energy serves as a global platform to emphasise the critical role of clean energy in combating climate change, fostering sustainable development, and improving energy access. As the world faces the dual challenges of environmental degradation and energy poverty, transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources has become a top priority. This year's observance comes at a pivotal time when technological advancements, policy initiatives, and grassroots movements are driving progress, yet significant barriers remain. In Nigeria, the clean energy landscape presents both opportunities and hurdles. While renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro hold immense potential, issues like inadequate infrastructure, limited financing options, and policy gaps often impede progress. Moreover, public awareness about the benefits of clean energy and its role in building a sustainable future remains relatively low. This conversation aims to highlight the importance of clean energy, discuss actionable solutions to existing challenges, and inspire listeners to participate in the global clean energy transition. By engaging experts, we hope to foster a meaningful dialogue that drives awareness and action.

The 2025 International Day of Education, under the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” focuses on the intersection of education and technological advancement. This year’s observance highlights the transformative power of education in equipping individuals and communities with the tools to navigate, understand, and shape a rapidly evolving digital landscape dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. As AI-driven systems become increasingly integrated into daily life, questions arise about the balance between human agency and machine-driven decision-making. The theme encourages reflection on how education can preserve and redefine human intention and creativity in the face of technological acceleration. Education plays a critical role in fostering the skills and values necessary to adapt to these changes. Beyond technical expertise, it must also instill critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and adaptability, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than diminishes it. This International Day of Education provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements in global education while advocating for the reforms needed to ensure education systems remain relevant and inclusive in the digital age. It calls for policymakers, educators, and communities to work together to create a future where education not only prepares individuals for an AI-driven world but also empowers them to maintain agency and humanity within it.

International Volunteer Day is celebrated globally on December 5 to recognise and appreciate the invaluable work of volunteers across the globe. The International Volunteer Day highlights the contributions of volunteers in addressing societal challenges, promoting peace and sustainable development, and advancing human rights. The theme for 2024 is “Volunteer for an Inclusive Future," which aligns with the mission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which is focused on promoting and championing the reform of the Nigerian economy into an open, inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive economy. The NESG works with volunteers who are experts across the different sectors of the economy to achieve this mission. At the core of the NESG's operations is the recognition of the immense value that volunteers bring to the organisation and its mission. Volunteerism plays a vital role in supporting the NESG's activities, as volunteers contribute their time, skills, and expertise to advance the organisation's goals. By engaging volunteers, the NESG taps into a diverse pool of talent, fosters innovation, and strengthens its capacity to drive meaningful change in Nigeria's economic landscape. This podcast seeks to celebrate the impact of the NESG volunteer workforce over the last three decades.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Stanbic IBTC have released the latest edition of their monthly Business Confidence Monitor Report. This report provides vital insights into the current business climate in Nigeria, including the levels of optimism, challenges, and economic indicators influencing business operations. As a key gauge of the private sector’s perception of the economy, the Business Confidence Monitor offers an invaluable lens through which businesses, policymakers, and investors can assess current conditions and anticipate future trends.