The federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), is set to unveil strategies for implementing the new National Industrial Policy, aimed at developing and scaling industries to transform the region’s economic future.
John Owan Enoh, minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, disclosed this at a press conference for the upcoming West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025, noting that the policy will address key constraints facing manufacturers and small businesses.
The West Africa IMT Summit, themed ‘Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,’ scheduled to hold from 21st to 23rd October 2025 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics and supply chain, technology, trade, and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa.
The minister stated that the summit is a platform to accelerate Africa’s march towards true industrialisation, saying, “For too long, our progress has been tied to the export of raw materials, but the time has come to unlock the full potential of our industries, scale our MSMEs, and harness our abundant manufacturing resources.
Enoh noted that industrial growth is not just an economic imperative, but a foundation for job creation, skills development, and sustainable prosperity.
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“This is why the Ministry is not only endorsing West Africa IMT, but fully committed to its success, because the future of our nation and the region depends on how boldly we embrace industrialisation today,” he said.
The press conference showcased West Africa IMT’s mission of advancing industrialisation, manufacturing, and technological innovation across the region, while also highlighting the need for stakeholders to maximise the opportunities created by the AFCFTA.
Stakeholders explored the critical themes and topics to be discussed at the summit, including industrial policy, regional trade integration, infrastructure, access to finance, and the role of technology in driving manufacturing competitiveness.
Wemimo Oyelana, country director, Nigeria & portfolio director, Energy for dmg Nigeria events, said that the summit is a platform to unlock West Africa’s true industrial potential, noting that West Africa is at a defining moment, where decisions made around industrialisation, manufacturing, and technology will shape the region’s growth story for generations to come.
“A story that we must own and champion. Our goal is to create an open space where the industrial ecosystem can come together not just to exchange ideas but to build and implement practical solutions that strengthen industries, drive trade, and create opportunities for our people.
“This Summit is about accelerating an industrial revolution that is sustainable, inclusive, and capable of delivering real impact for communities across West Africa,” Oyelana said.
