KWACCIMA commits to empowering local entrepreneurs on global standards

…Kwara 2025 trade fair begins December 5

The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local entrepreneurs by providing the necessary support and resources to enhance their success and global competitiveness.

The annual national trade fair is organised by KWACCIMA in collaboration with the Kwara State Government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology.

Speaking on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the 12th Kwara Trade Fair scheduled between December 5 and 15, 2025, Ibrahim Hassan Sani, the 1st Deputy President of KWACCIMA, said the year 2025 theme, “Empowering Local Entrepreneurs for Global Competitiveness,” reflects the need to address challenges such as limited access to financing, inadequate skills, and poor market access faced by local entrepreneurs.

“It is in this regard that KWACCIMA believes that with the right support such as access to financing, adequate knowledge and skills, market opportunities, innovation and technology, our local entrepreneurs can become major players in the global market.”

Sani, who is also Chairman of the 12th Kwara Trade Fair Committee, noted that empowering local businesses is crucial for economic growth and development, as it contributes to job creation, poverty reduction, economic diversification, and reduced dependence on oil revenue.

He explained that the fair aims to showcase and promote the natural, mineral, agricultural, cultural, and human resources abundantly available in Kwara State for economic prosperity.

“Specifically, it seeks to accelerate the development of commerce and industry in the state; identify prospects for local and foreign investments; create business linkages; and introduce new products to the public,” he added.

Sani said that KWACCIMA had successfully attracted the D-8 Business and Economic Group through its Secretary-General, Ambassador Ishaq Imam. Member countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria – are expected to participate in the 2025 trade fair.

The 11-day event will hold at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and will feature exhibitions of various products.

Earlier, Abu Salaam, the President of KWACCIMA, commended the cordial relationship between the Chamber and the State Government, noting that this year’s fair is distinct from previous editions as it is designed to prepare local marketers to compete efficiently in the forthcoming African market.