Lagos, Nigeria — The 2025 Business Summit, convened last Saturday at The Emunah Conference Centre in Shasha, Akowonjo, brought together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry professionals and young innovators to discuss new pathways for business success in a fluctuating economy.

Organized by the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation with support from the Bank of Industry, this year’s summit focused on the theme “Thriving Through Innovation: Future-Proofing African Businesses in a Shifting & Challenging Economy.” The discussions centered on how African entrepreneurs can strengthen their operations, adapt to new market pressures and deploy innovation as a driver of long-term growth.

Participants heard from a respected panel of speakers, including Prince Arheghan, Chairman of Karotiz Couture; Dr. Jamie Pajoel, Founder/CEO, JMP Leadership Institute, Canada; business strategist Olushola Olayeye; finance and wealth coach Coach Nancy; media expert Treasure Kalu; Gabriel J. Nissim, founder of Gabi Media; and host Carol Arheghan, Creative Director and CEO of Karotiz Couture. Their sessions covered a broad range of topics such as leadership excellence, digital adoption, brand building, sustainable business culture, and practical approaches to strengthening sales and improving resilience.

A key highlight of the event was the ₦2 million grant initiative, where four promising entrepreneurs were awarded ₦500,000 each by the Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation. The grants are aimed at supporting small businesses in scaling their operations and embracing innovative practices. The initiative received strong commendation from attendees, many of whom described it as a meaningful boost for grassroots enterprise development.

The summit also offered valuable networking opportunities, enabling participants to build new partnerships, engage industry leaders and explore potential investment channels. Many attendees lauded the event for providing timely insights as business owners continue to navigate rising costs, shifting consumer patterns and rapid technological change.

By its conclusion, the 2025 Business Summit had once again highlighted the foundation’s unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship development, leadership advancement and economic empowerment across the continent. The Carol & Prince Arheghan Foundation continues to champion impactful initiatives that equip African entrepreneurs with the knowledge, support and confidence needed to thrive.