A sharp rise in intra-African trade is beginning to redefine West Africa’s industrial prospects, as fresh data and policy initiatives point to deeper regional integration and expanding manufacturing activity.
Figures from the Nigeria Customs Service indicate that Nigeria’s exports to other African markets climbed by 14 per cent to N4.82tn, with more than 60 per cent of this trade destined for West African countries. The trend underscores growing regional demand and strengthening market linkages within the sub-region.
In Ghana, the government’s 24-hour economy policy is already showing early results. Pilot zones, including the Tema light-manufacturing belt, are reporting higher industrial output alongside growth in night-shift employment, particularly across manufacturing segments. Together, these developments highlight the early effects of continental trade integration efforts and the opportunities opening up for West African industry.
Analysts note, however, that sustaining this momentum will depend on how effectively trade growth is matched with expanded industrial capacity, efficient logistics systems, and coordinated investment across borders.
Against this backdrop, the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition (West Africa IMT 2026) has been positioned as a critical platform for translating policy alignment into concrete industrial outcomes.
A statement from the organisers on Wednesday stated that the summit is scheduled to be held from March 3 to 5, 2026, in Lagos, adding that it is endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organised by dmg Nigeria events.
Organisers say the event will focus on how West Africa can convert rising trade flows into stronger manufacturing output, sustainable investment, and long-term industrial growth.
The summit will feature a cross-sectoral speaker faculty drawn from across government, industry, and finance, according to the statement. It noted that confirmed speakers include Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment; Shadiya Assouman, Minister of Industry & Trade, Republic of Benin; and Olushegun Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Benin.
Other speakers include Cheikh Niane, Vice Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines, Senegal; Adebisi Adebutu, Group President, R28 Holdings; Dr Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering; Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO of Matta; and George Onafowokan, Managing Director and CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables.
Also on the faculty are Olumuyiwa Kosile, Managing Director of Ikosh Nigeria Limited; Naana Winful Fynn, Regional Director for West Africa at Norfund; Lola Ekugo-Aworati, CEO of Afriboarder; Olutayo Olusegun, Senior Trade Policy and Law Expert and AfCFTA Lead for Trade Enablement; Sam Faleye, Chairman and CEO of Saglev; and Ufuoma Adasen, Vice President, Heavy Industries, Telecoms & Technology at Africa Finance Corporation, alongside other senior industry figures.
According to the organisers, the programme is structured to address the growing need for coordination between policy direction, private sector execution, and long-term capital. Sessions are expected to focus on strategies for capacity development, trade facilitation, infrastructure delivery, and financing frameworks capable of shaping West Africa’s industrial landscape.
The urgency behind West Africa IMT 2026 has been echoed at the highest levels of government. Speaking about the summit, Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment, stressed its strategic relevance to Nigeria and the wider region.
“Industrial growth is not just an economic imperative. It is the foundation for job creation, skills development, and sustainable prosperity. The future of our nation and the region depends on how boldly we embrace industrialisation today,” Enoh said.
He added, “The ministry is pleased to endorse the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit 2026. This initiative supports Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and strengthens regional trade, with strong potential to drive economic growth across West Africa.
“We commend dmg Nigeria Events for its continued contribution to industrial and trade development in the region. We look forward to welcoming industry stakeholders to Lagos, Nigeria, for insightful discussions that will unlock the transformation we seek across the region.”
Organisers have emphasised that the summit is designed to prioritise practical outcomes rather than discussion alone. Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa and Country Director at dmg Events, said the event was deliberately structured to deliver measurable impact.
“West Africa IMT is not designed to be a forum for conversations without consequence. It is a platform deliberately bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, investors, and technologists who have the mandate and capacity to move industrialisation forward across the region,” Oyelana said.
He noted that expectations from the government underscore the need for action. “The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owoh, has been 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,” he added.
