The Organising Committee of The Paul Alaje Colloquium has announced the 2025 edition of its annual thought-leadership forum, scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Jahi, Abuja.
This year’s colloquium, themed “Breaking the Cycle: How Nigeria Can Lead Africa from Poverty to Prosperity,” will bring together policymakers, economists, academics, business leaders, and development experts to explore bold strategies for repositioning Nigeria—and indeed Africa—on a path of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
According to the organising committee, the colloquium comes at a critical time when Nigeria, despite being the fourth-largest economy in Africa, continues to battle persistent poverty, weak institutions, and uneven economic opportunities. The forum seeks to provide a platform for data-driven dialogue and actionable ideas capable of breaking the poverty trap and unlocking sustainable economic transformation.
“Nigeria stands at a decisive crossroad,” the organisers said at a press conference in Abuja, adding that “Despite its human and natural endowments, the nation continues to grapple with rising poverty levels and institutional weaknesses. The time has come to examine why the cycle persists and how deliberate policy, innovation, and governance reforms can lift millions out of multidimensional poverty.”
The organisers explained that the 2025 edition will focus on four major thematic pillars central to Africa’s economic resurgence: shifting from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on production, agriculture, and sustainable financing models; governance and Institutions – promoting integrity, continuity, and accountability in leadership to drive consistent national progress; harnessing artificial intelligence and digital tools to accelerate inclusive development across sectors; and addressing insecurity, promoting climate resilience, and steering the transition to a green and sustainable economy.
The committee emphasized that this year’s theme is particularly timely as Africa navigates a changing global economic landscape marked by shifting trade flows, climate imperatives, and rapid digital disruption.
“Nigeria’s leadership, if re-energised with a clear national vision and inclusive strategy, could set the pace for Africa’s transformation—moving the continent from aid dependence to productive prosperity,” the statement added.
The organisers have also announced the launch of a national essay competition aimed at nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The competition will be held across three academic categories, with a N2,250,000 cash prizes for winners across three categories.
The essay competition, according to the committee, is designed to encourage students to contribute fresh perspectives to the national conversation on development, leadership, and economic transformation.
The colloquium is convened by Dr. Paul Alaje, a renowned Nigerian economist and Senior Partner at SPM Professionals, who is globally recognised for his work in economic modelling, inclusive growth, and development policy. Over the years, Dr. Alaje has become a prominent voice on issues of fiscal discipline, governance reform, and Africa’s pathway to prosperity.
“Breaking the Cycle challenges policymakers, private sector actors, and citizens alike to re-imagine Nigeria’s role in leading Africa’s march toward shared wealth and sustainable growth,” the organisers said.
