Concept Note: Thriving for Tomorrow: Sustainable Business Strategies

Onitsha, a city steeped in history and economic dynamism, stands as a pivotal commercial nerve center not just for Nigeria, but for the entire West African sub-region. Its strategic location on the banks of the River Niger has, for centuries, cemented its status as a bustling trade hub, a melting pot of cultures, and a testament to entrepreneurial spirit.

Historically, Onitsha played a pivotal role in nurturing intercontinental trade, manufacturing, and entrepreneurial dynamism. However, the changing tides of globalization, infrastructure decay, and policy gaps have challenged this momentum.

From its peak as a vibrant trading post, through periods of economic ebb and flow, Onitsha has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and an innate capacity for reinvention. It is a city where the echoes of past commercial glories meet the vibrant pulse of modern ambition, making it an indispensable engine for Nigeria's economic and social development.

The Onitsha Business Hangout (OBH) has consistently provided a platform for critical discourse on the city's economic trajectory. Our previous editions have explored vital aspects of business growth and continuity:

• 1st Edition: "Stimulating Productivity and Growth through Business Diversity" laid the groundwork for expanding economic horizons.

• 2nd Edition: "Onitsha: A Spectrum of Opportunities through F.O.R.C.E (Focus, Ownership, Resilience, Collaboration and Execution)" highlighted the core principles necessary for leveraging the city's potential.

• 3rd Edition: "Defying Succession (Power of the Past - Force of the Future)" delved into the crucial inter-generational transfer of knowledge and leadership.

Building on these foundational discussions, the 4th edition of OBH, themed "Thriving for Tomorrow: Sustainable Business Strategies," aims to address the urgent need for businesses in Onitsha, and indeed across Nigeria, to adopt practices that ensure long-term viability, environmental responsibility, and social equity. In an increasingly complex global landscape marked by rapid technological advancements, climate change, and evolving consumer demands, sustainability is no longer an option but a strategic imperative.

As we convene the 4th edition of OBH, we acknowledge both the legacy and the possibility. This event marks a strategic convergence of thought leaders, industry champions, and traditional custodians—all gathered to chart a new course toward sustainability, innovation, and relevance. We must answer critical questions:

• What must be sustained?

• What must evolve? And most importantly,

• Who must lead the charge?

A key focus will be on the burgeoning youth population of Onitsha – a vibrant force brimming with entrepreneurial energy and literacy.

• How can we harness their potential, integrate technology effectively, and foster collaboration between the private sector, government (the state), and the community (the people) to create an ecosystem where businesses not only survive but truly thrive for generations to come

This edition will connect the dots between Onitsha's rich commercial past, its current realities, and the imperative to build a thriving, sustainable future. We will explore how businesses can navigate contemporary challenges, embrace innovation, and contribute to a resilient economy. This hangout will seek to provide actionable insights and inspire a collective commitment to sustainable growth.