…as Tamuno Unveils Film Village Vision to Drive Jobs, Tourism and Investment
Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) and key stakeholders have called for greater adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), improved access to affordable financing and stronger public-private collaboration to unlock youth-led economic growth, as the company unveiled plans to develop the Abuja Film Village as a catalyst for jobs, tourism and investment.
The calls were made on the second day of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) 2026, designated as Youth Growth and Investment Day, where government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, development partners and young innovators explored strategies for expanding opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Investments Company Limited, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, said investment should no longer be measured merely by agreements signed or capital commitments announced, but by the businesses created, jobs generated and communities transformed.
“Investment becomes meaningful when it creates productive enterprises, sustainable jobs, stronger communities and new possibilities for ordinary people. Impact is the point at which vision becomes visible,” she said.
According to Tamuno, AICL’s mandate goes beyond attracting capital into the Federal Capital Territory to building an ecosystem where investment, enterprise, talent and opportunity reinforce one another.
“We are not only seeking capital for Abuja; we are building an ecosystem in which capital, enterprise, talent and opportunity can work together. Our responsibility is to connect promising ideas to the institutions, markets, infrastructure and partnerships required to make them succeed,” she added.
She described the Abuja Youth Enterprise Hunt as a strategic platform for identifying and nurturing young entrepreneurs, stressing that the initiative recognises young people as “creators of value, employers of labour and partners in building the economy of the Federal Capital Territory.”
Tamuno said the programme’s success would not be determined by the number of winners produced but by the businesses that survive, the jobs they create and the economic confidence they inspire.
Highlighting the importance of the creative economy, she unveiled AICL’s vision for the Abuja Film Village, describing it as an enterprise platform capable of stimulating economic activity across multiple sectors.
“The Abuja Film Village must therefore be understood not merely as a physical location, but as an enterprise platform. In this place, skills can be developed, stories can be produced, intellectual property can be created, and creativity can be converted into sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She noted that the project would create opportunities across the creative value chain, including writing, directing, animation, music, digital production, hospitality, transportation and marketing, while boosting tourism and projecting Abuja’s cultural identity to global audiences.
Tamuno said the Film Village complements the Youth Enterprise Hunt by providing a platform where innovative businesses, particularly in the creative sector, can scale and access markets.
“The Hunt helps us discover enterprise. The Film Village helps us develop an industry in which enterprise can grow,” she said.
She also urged investors to increase support for early-stage businesses by providing funding, mentorship and market access.
“Look beyond established assets and see the value in emerging talent. Sponsor a cohort. Mentor an entrepreneur. Finance is a viable idea. Commission local creative work. Support production infrastructure. Open your supply chains to youth-led businesses,” she said.
During a panel session on ‘AI and the Future of Youth Enterprise and Prosperity,’ stakeholders identified limited access to affordable finance as one of the biggest constraints facing young entrepreneurs despite rapid advances in technology.
They argued that Nigeria must strengthen consumer and enterprise credit systems to help innovators move from ideas to commercially viable businesses.
“We need the private sector, wealth fund managers and government to understand that without investing in a foundation, an enterprising entrepreneur cannot access even ₦5 million to move from zero to ten. Investments rarely happen until people have already shown promise, and that is what is missing, ” a participant said
The speaker added that many Nigerians remain trapped in a “cash-and-carry” economy where major business assets can only be acquired through years of personal savings, calling for lower interest rates, longer loan tenures and greater trust in young entrepreneurs.
Stakeholders also urged the government to accelerate AI adoption through supportive policies, improved electricity supply and expanded broadband infrastructure.
“AI today is the internet of two and a half decades ago. The more we keep deliberating and being scared of AI, the more we will be left behind. We need the right policies, the right infrastructure, reliable electricity and broadband to enable young innovators to realise their full potential,” another speaker said.
Drawing from industry experience, another panellist explained how AI tools are already helping businesses reduce production costs and create new commercial opportunities.
The speaker cited the use of AI-generated animation to complete a commercial project under a constrained budget, saying such applications demonstrate how young entrepreneurs can build successful enterprises by providing AI-powered creative services.
Other participants noted that AI has significantly lowered the barriers to starting businesses by enabling entrepreneurs to perform tasks that previously required multiple employees and specialized software.
“AI is lowering the barrier to entrepreneurship. It helps businesses save time, reduce costs and improve productivity. If entrepreneurs do not adopt these tools, they risk being left behind,” a panellist said.
However, speakers cautioned that while AI makes it easier to establish businesses, it does not automatically create opportunities, stressing the need for governments, investors and development partners to finance promising innovators and build supportive ecosystems.
They also advocated introducing AI education at the primary school level to equip future generations with digital skills needed to compete in the evolving global economy.
The event also featured business pitches from winners and finalists of the Abuja Youth Enterprise Hunt organised by AICL in collaboration with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), showcasing innovative businesses seeking investment and mentorship support.
