West Africa leaders to strengthen regional industrialisation

Regional policy leaders are set to converge at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition in a bid to leverage on the surge in intra-African trade.  The summit endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organised by dmg Nigeria events is billed to take place from March 3–5 […]

Regional policy leaders are set to converge at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition in a bid to leverage on the surge in intra-African trade. 

The summit endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organised by dmg Nigeria events is billed to take place from March 3–5 2026 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

Ahead of the summit, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, emphasised on the importance of the programme, describing it as a forum to examine how West Africa can convert policy alignment into tangible industrial growth, stronger manufacturing output, and sustainable investment outcomes.

“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. 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,” he said.

Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa & Country Director at dmg Events, added that the summit would focus on actionable outcomes rather than dialogue alone.

“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.

“The Honourable 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,” she said.