Trade experts are set to tackle West Africa’s industrial and manufacturing development as protectionist trade measures disrupt global supply chains and prompt shifts in economic alliances. These discussions will take center stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing, and Trade (IMT) Summit and Exhibition 2025 , scheduled to hold in Lagos this October.
According to the organisers, the summit comes amid growing global trade tensions that are reshaping sourcing and investment patterns worldwide. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun , highlighted the escalating tariff conflict between the United States and China , with levies rising as high as 145% , as a unique opportunity for Nigeria and the region.
“This presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reposition itself as a competitive trade and investment destination, attract supply chain diversification, and deepen local value addition in key export sectors,” Edun remarked.
Themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” the three-day event will convene government officials, industry leaders, investors, and development agencies from across Africa and beyond. Discussions will focus on the implications of rising protectionist trade measures and shifting global alliances while showcasing Africa’s readiness to play a more prominent role in global supply chains.
Wemimo Oyelana , Portfolio Director, Africa, dmg events, emphasized the importance of the current global trade landscape.
“The ongoing global trade tensions present a critical opportunity for Africa to reset its trade strategy, prioritising intra-continental partnerships and diversifying its international trade mix,” Oyelana stated.
The summit will feature sessions on investment attraction , regional value chains , capital mobilisation , infrastructure development , and sustainable energy solutions . It also aligns with efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to deepen regional integration.
For instance, Ghana is projected to boost regional exports by six percentage points, while Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are expanding their influence in textiles and cocoa processing, respectively.
The summit will include policy roundtables , investment showcases , and focused sessions on digital trade , innovation , and industrial finance , positioning the region for long-term growth.
As global trade dynamics evolve, the West Africa IMT Summit 2025 offers a platform to harness these changes for sustainable industrial growth. By prioritizing regional collaboration and diversification, West Africa aims to strengthen its role in the global economy.
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