Trade Ministry Backs West Africa Manufacturing Summit

Organisers of the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025 has announced the official endorsement of the event by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, a key indication of the Summit’s agenda to unpack the opportunities created by shifting global trade dynamics and explore how African economies can leverage them for sustainable industrial and trade advancement.

The Ministry’s endorsement is seen as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening trade corridors, accelerating regional economic cooperation, and fostering innovation-driven growth across strategic sectors.

In recent times, government-based initiatives have continued to lay a foundation for broader regional manufacturing growth, fostering economic development and industrial expansion.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy prioritises locally manufactured goods in all government procurement, aiming to put Nigeria first in all procurement processes.

The commitment aligns with the mandate of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighting the nation’s dedication to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding trade opportunities across the continent.

Speaking on the endorsement, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, noted, Senator John Owan Enoh, “The Ministry formally endorses and consents to collaborate with dmg Nigeria events in the successful organisation of the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025. The Ministry commends [dmg Nigeria events’] efforts in promoting industrial, manufacturing and trade development across the West African Region and looks forward to a successful partnership in delivering a high-impact Summit.’’

The Summit, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity”, will be held from 21 – 23 October 2025 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos is designed as a high-level convening of regional policymakers, industrial leaders, investors, technology providers, trade facilitators, and multilateral development institutions.

Speaking to the endorsement, Wemimo Oyelana Country Director–Nigeria & Portfolio Director– Energy for dmg Nigeria events, emphasised, “As we witness Africa’s rising in global manufacturing and trade, the endorsement from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment marks the beginning of the transformation required for real economic development and growth which is a strong validation of the strategic importance of the maiden edition of the West African IMT Summit and Exhibition.

“It reinforces our shared commitment to accelerating industrial development, to strengthening local manufacturing, increasing regional and international trade, and driving investment into the region.”

West Africa IMT 2025 operates as an implementation platform where policy briefings, cross-border investment showcases, and technical panels address infrastructure gaps, regulatory alignment, and industrial capacity building. The approach moves beyond conceptual discussion toward actionable regional industrial development strategies.

As Ghana and Senegal demonstrate measurable progress in manufacturing output and policy implementation, the Summit is expected to provide infrastructure for scaling these approaches across West Africa’s broader industrial landscape.