Nigeria’s women entrepreneurs are set for a major boost as top corporate brands throw their weight behind the 2025 Abuja Trade Fair.
Organisers have confirmed that First Bank of Nigeria will serve as the headline sponsor, while Amstel Malta, MTN, Nigerian Breweries, and FIBI have joined as major partners.
The fair, scheduled to hold from October 31 to November 2, 2025, will take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, formerly known as the National Stadium.
The annual trade fair, packaged by OKADS Seafoods and supported by the Development Bank of Nigeria and SMEDAN, is designed to promote women’s economic empowerment by connecting female entrepreneurs, local producers, and small business owners to new markets and networks.
According to Ebiere Empere, the convener and CEO of OKADS Seafoods, the choice of Moshood Abiola Stadium as this year’s venue was deliberate, following the growing popularity and attendance the fair has enjoyed over the years.
“This is expected to be one of the largest trade expos in Abuja in recent times.
“Last year, at the Old Parade Ground in Garki, the venue was filled beyond capacity, and exhibitors smiled to the banks. This year, we are expanding to accommodate the surge in interest and to create more space for participants and visitors”, Empere told journalists over the weekend.
Empere disclosed that exhibitors are expected from not only Abuja but also neighbouring states, seeking to leverage the platform to build new networks and market access for their brands.
In a move aimed at supporting small-scale traders, she revealed that at least 100 local market women will receive a 100 percent discount on exhibition stands to showcase their goods.
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“We want to ensure inclusiveness and economic visibility for women at all levels. This is not just a trade fair, it’s a platform for empowerment and exposure.
“It also provides an opportunity for smart shoppers to get their holiday supplies before the usual Christmas price hike sets in”, she added.
The three-day fair will feature a shopping extravaganza, a village market, service centres, entertainment hubs, and a kiddies’ zone, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for visitors.
