West Africa holds vast untapped opportunities for a rapid and sustainable industrial revolution, from leveraging abundant raw materials for value-added production to unlocking regional trade under the AfCFTA and addressing the huge demand for reliable infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.
Yet, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and power, limited access to affordable finance, and skills gaps continue to hinder the region’s industrial ambitions.
The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition, taking place from October 21–23, 2025, at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, will bring together distinguished voices from government, industry, and the investment sector to turn these opportunities into action.
The summit will serve as a platform to examine how the region can accelerate industrialisation, strengthen manufacturing ecosystems, and expand intra-regional trade in ways that create jobs and enhance global competitiveness.
These conversations are timely as policy actions and strategic investments are reshaping the region’s industrial landscape. In Nigeria, a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts has been introduced to drive local processing, create jobs, and enhance the global competitiveness of finished products.
In Ghana, a national dialogue is underway to design the country’s first Agribusiness Policy, positioning agribusiness as a catalyst for industrialisation, employment, and food security.
Meanwhile, in Senegal, a $100 million prefabrication factory is being developed in Diass within a Special Economic Zone, a project expected to generate close to 4,000 jobs and boost the local construction and infrastructure supply chain.
Together, these developments highlight the urgency of aligning national reforms with regional strategies.
The summit will feature high-level discussions, investment roundtables, and sector dialogues aimed at translating industrial ambitions into measurable outcomes, whether through MSME growth, skills development, financing for equipment acquisition, or the shift from raw exports to globally competitive finished goods.
Speaking on the line-up of speakers and what stakeholders should expect at West Africa IMT 2025, Wemimo Oyelana, country director, Nigeria & Portfolio Director – Energy for dmg Nigeria events, emphasised, “From infrastructure development and reliable power for industries to access to affordable capital, our speakers represent the leaders driving transformation in policy, finance, and enterprise.”
“Delegates should expect not only robust discussions but also opportunities to forge meaningful partnerships that can accelerate the region’s industrial future.’’
The 2025 edition will host an esteemed group of leaders, including ministers, heads of government agencies, investors, and CEOs.
Expected government officials and industry leaders at West Africa IMT are: John Owan Enoh, minister of State for Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Timi Austen-Peters, chairman, Dorman Long; Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO, Matta; and George Onafowokan, MD and CEO, Coleman Wires and Cables.
Others are: Olumuyiwa Kosile, managing director, Ikosh Nigeria Ltd; Naana Winful Fynn, regional director – West Africa, Norfund; Lola Ekugo-Aworati, CEO, Afriboarder; Olutayo Olusegun, Senior Trade Policy & Law expert & lead for trade enablement, AFCFTA; and Seun Suleiman, MD, Siemens Energy, among others.
With its focus on industrialisation, manufacturing, and trade, the West Africa IMT Summit 2025 is set to become a defining forum for leaders to move from policy vision to practical implementation.
By convening decision-makers and innovators from across the region, the Summit will help shape strategies that foster economic resilience, create jobs, and position West Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.
