Open Call for Sponsorship: Evening Reception celebrating UK-Nigeria trade

16th March 2026 (18:00 - 21:00)

Background

To mark the start of the Nigeria State Visit, celebrate strong UK-Nigeria business partnerships, and strengthen ties with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and international investors, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is hosting an evening reception for UK and Nigerian businesses provisionally scheduled for Monday 16th March (18:00 – 21:00pm), based in Central London.

This will be led by the UK’s Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UK's Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.

Opportunity

DBT is seeking sponsors and brand partners to support the exclusive evening reception, which is expected to bring together over 150+ attendees, including C-Suite level executives from key sectors in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), including  financial services and fintech, technology and digital services, creative industries, education and skills. The aim of the reception is to foster targeted dialogue and partnership opportunities between the UK and Nigeria.

DBT is seeking financial investment in return for sponsorship rights, including:

  • Creating positive brand positioning including partner branding and communication channels.
  • Showcase industry leadership being at the forefront of this high-profile event, bringing together senior government officials and key investors and leaders from the UK and Nigerian markets.
  • Additional tickets reserved for sponsors for attendance the reception.
  • Wider networking opportunities both at the reception and wider trade and investment related events being led by DBT (further details can be provided on request).

Contact us

For further information, or to take forward this sponsorship opportunity, please email:

commercialsponsorship@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Sponsorship process

The UK Government undertakes an open and fair approach to sponsor and brand partner selection.

  • Potential sponsors will undergo Due Diligence checks.

  • Should this opportunity need a competitive selection process, we will share assessment questions, marking criteria and a set deadline for completion. Questions could be based on strategic fit, additional market support for UK messaging, provision of goods and services (for Value in Kind) etc.

Due to timeframes, there is very limited scope to amend the rights on offer, and the deadline for registering interest is midday Thursday 19th February. We will review expressions of interest on a rolling basis and may close partnership opportunities earlier if demand is high.