2
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, has stated that the West Africa Industrialisation and Manufacturing Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit scheduled October this year is more than a gathering of industry stakeholders, but also needed platform to accelerate Africa’s march towards true industrialisation.
Senator Owan- Enoh, who made the declaration during selects media briefing in Lagos, said: “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.
“Industrial growth is not just an economic imperative; it is the foundation for job creation, skills development, and sustainable prosperity.
“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.”
According to the Minister, the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025 is an opportunity to showcase West Africa IMT’s mission of advancing industrialisation, manufacturing, and technology innovation across the region, while also highlighting the need for stakeholders to maximise the opportunities created by the AFCFTA.
“Stakeholders would explore the critical themes and topics that will be discussed at the Summit, including industrial policy, regional trade integration, infrastructure, access to finance, and the role of technology in driving manufacturing competitiveness”, he said.
Wemimo Oyelana, Country Director, Nigeria & Portfolio Director, Energy for dmg Nigeria events, while speaking at the press conference, said: “The West Africa IMT Summit is more than an industry event; it is a platform to unlock West Africa’s true industrial potential. We are at a defining moment as a region, where the decisions we make around industrialisation, manufacturing, and technology will shape our growth story for generations to come.
“The summit outcome is 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, noted that by creating space for open conversations and collaboration, the press briefing underscored West Africa IMT’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating sustainable industrial growth across the region.
The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity”, will be held from 21 – 23 October 2025 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.
“The Summit 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 summit 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”,Oyelana said
