The Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce encouraged Nigerian businesses on Thursday to take a closer look at the growing opportunities in Slovenia and expand their reach into a market many local entrepreneurs have yet to explore. The chamber made this appeal during its 2025 Last Quarter Business Forum held in Lagos, an event designed to keep business owners informed about new prospects that benefit both countries.
Business leaders and trade regulators attended the gathering, where the Director-General of the Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Uche Udungwor, spoke about the strong partnership forming between Nigeria and Slovenia. He described the relationship as a developing bilateral economy built on shared interests and expanding commercial exchanges. Udungwor explained that the chamber was created to promote and facilitate trade and investment between the two nations, and that its work has already contributed positively to both economies.
He outlined the chamber’s responsibilities, noting that it provides a platform for Nigerian and Slovenian interests to connect and grow. The chamber encourages broad collaboration in commercial and industrial activities, supports the exchange of technical and scientific innovations, and regularly shares information about trade and investment opportunities. It also advises members on emerging legislation, market challenges, and evolving prospects in bilateral trade, helping businesses navigate both markets with confidence.
Udungwor highlighted Slovenia’s key import needs, which include organic chemicals, agricultural products such as cocoa beans, iron and metal scraps, wood, and petroleum-related products. On the export side, Slovenia is known for pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, automobile components, and furniture, along with a strong presence in ICT and renewable energy. He acknowledged that the current trade balance between both countries remains low, pointing to UN COMTRADE data showing that Slovenia imported only $5.7 million worth of Nigerian goods in 2022.
He described Slovenia as a promising business frontier that Nigerian entrepreneurs often overlook. Located in Central Europe with about 2.1 million people, Slovenia features Alpine mountains, dense forests, and a short stretch of Adriatic coastline. Udungwor noted that Slovenia borders Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, and maintains a stable economy with a 2024 GDP of $72.49 billion. He emphasized that the country offers a low-risk environment for business and has been a member of the European Union since 2004, the Schengen Zone since 2007, and the OECD as well. He added that Slovenia serves as a gateway between the Balkan region, Central Europe, and Western Europe, making it a strategic location for trade expansion.
Udungwor assured participants that the Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce is ready to supply up-to-date information, resources, and guidance on Slovenia’s economy, markets, and investment landscape. He encouraged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of these insights and consider Slovenia as a viable destination for growth and partnership.
One of the participants, Muyiwa Ajose, shared his experience and said his collaboration with the chamber has strengthened his agro-export business to Slovenia, giving him a clearer path to scale and diversify.
