A surge in intra-African trade is changing West Africa’s industrial outlook. Nigeria’s exports to other African markets rose 14% to N4.82 trillion (US$3.4 billion), with more than 60% going to West Africa, according to data from the Nigerian Customs Service. Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy is showing early results, with pilot zones such as the Tema Light Industrial Zone reporting increases in industrial output and night shift employment, particularly in manufacturing. These developments reflect growing regional demand, deeper market connections, and the early impact of continental trade integration efforts. However, maintaining this momentum will depend on how effectively trade growth is matched with industrial capacity, efficient logistics and coordinated investment across the region.
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The West Africa Industrialization, Manufacturing and Trade Summit & Exhibition (West Africa IMT 2026), to be held at the Landmark Center in Lagos from March 3 to 5, 2026, is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organized by DMG Nigeria Events, and is positioned as a key forum to examine how West Africa can translate policy alignment into tangible industrial growth, manufacturing output expansion and sustainable investment outcomes.
A multidisciplinary panel of speakers, including Senator John Owan Hainnault, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment; Mr. Shadiya Alimatou Assoman, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Benin; His Excellency Mr. Olusegun (Shegun) Ajadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin. Your Honor. Cheikh Niane, Deputy Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines of Senegal; Mr. Adebisi Adebutu, President, R28 Holdings Group: Dr. Timi Austin-Peters, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering; Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO of Matta. Mr. George Onafokan, Managing Director and CEO, Coleman Wires & Cables; Mr. Olumuyiwa Kosile, Managing Director of Ikosh Nigeria Limited. Nana Winful Finn, Norfund West Africa Regional Director. Lola Ekgo-Awolati, Afriboarder CEO. Mr. Olutayo Olusegun, Senior Trade Policy and Legal Expert, Head of AfCFTA Trade Enablement. Mr. Sam Olugbenga Farai, Chairman and CEO of Sagref. Ufuoma Adasen, vice president of heavy industry, communications and technology at the African Finance Corporation (AFC), will join other industry executives to address the growing need for alignment between policy direction, private sector implementation and long-term capital. The program aims to develop strategies for capacity building, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and financing structures that can shape West Africa’s industrial landscape.
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The urgency driving West Africa IMT 2026 is reflected at the highest levels of government. Honorable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Hinault, emphasized the strategic importance of the summit, saying: “Industrial growth is not just an economic imperative.
It is the foundation for job creation, skills development and sustainable prosperity. The future of our country and our region depends on how boldly we embrace industrialization today. The Department is pleased to support the 2026 West Africa Industrialization, Manufacturing and Trade Summit.
The initiative has great potential to support Nigeria’s industrialization plans, enhance regional trade and drive economic growth across West Africa. We commend dmg Nigeria Events for its continued contribution to the development of industry and trade in the region. We look forward to welcoming industry stakeholders to Lagos, Nigeria for insightful discussions that will unlock the change we seek across the region. ”
The summit focuses not only on dialogue but on actionable outcomes. dmg Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa & Country Director at Events, recently emphasized that: “West Africa IMT is not designed to be a forum for dialogue without consequences. The Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owaugh, has made clear that this engagement must go beyond discussion: The responsibility is to align understanding, commit to action and ensure that the outcomes of these conversations translate into real industrial capacity, stronger value chains and measurable economic impact for West Africa.
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The transition from raw material exports to value-added production requires closer alignment between government policy, operational capacity and investment capital, a challenge further shaped by AfCFTA implementation timelines, evolving tariff regimes, infrastructure demands and increasing global competition for manufacturing investment.
West Africa IMT 2026 will ground its approach in the regulatory context, with firm roots in implementation, by convening decision-makers from both the public and private sectors for intensive discussions on industrial capacity expansion, resilient infrastructure, efficient trading systems, sustainable finance, and cross-sector cooperation.
West Africa is currently at a critical stage in its industrial development. With a distinguished line-up of speakers and a program designed around infrastructure, power, capital and trade enablers, West Africa IMT 2026 aims to be the very place where policy and projects come together and where the region’s industrial ambitions are tested, funded and launched.
Note: This article was published by dmg Nigeria events and published by AL Circle with original information without any changes or edits to the core subject matter/data.
