Experts to canvass W’Africa’s industrial devt at summit

Trade experts are set to address West Africa’s industrial and manufacturing development as protectionist trade measures disrupt global supply chains and result in realignments in economic alliances.

According to a statement, these experts will make the case for the region’s industrial advancement and trade diversification at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025 to be held in Lagos in October this year.

The organisers of the event noted that the IMT Summit comes amid growing global trade tensions that are redrawing sourcing and investment patterns.

Also, the summit organisers cited Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, who said the escalating tariff conflict between the United States and China, which has seen levies rise as high as 145 per cent, presents a unique opening for Nigeria to reposition itself as a competitive hub for trade and investment.

“This presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reposition itself as a competitive trade and investment destination, attract supply chain diversification, and deepen local value addition in key export sectors,” Edun remarked.

According to the organisers, the summit, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” is expected to attract government officials, industry leaders, investors, and development agencies from across Africa and beyond.

The organisers added that the three-day event would explore the implications of rising protectionist trade measures and shifting global alliances while highlighting Africa’s readiness to take a more prominent role in global supply chains.

Portfolio Director, Africa, dmg events, Wemimo Oyelana, stated that the current global trade landscape gives Africa a window to reset its approach to commerce and industrialisation.

“The ongoing global trade tensions present a critical opportunity for Africa to reset its trade strategy, prioritising intra-continental partnerships and diversifying its international trade mix,” Oyelana submitted. “The West Africa IMT Summit and Exhibition will bring together senior stakeholders from across the continent to chart a course for a resilient and sustainable industrial revolution in the region.”

Oyelana noted that the summit would feature discussions on investment attraction, regional value chains, capital mobilisation, infrastructure, and sustainable energy solutions.

The event comes as West African countries step up efforts to deepen regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ghana is expected to boost its regional exports by six percentage points, while Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are expanding their influence in textiles and cocoa processing, respectively.

Organisers said the summit would also include policy roundtables, investment showcases, and focused sessions on digital trade, innovation, and industrial finance, positioning the region for long-term growth.

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