West Africa is set to showcase its industrial and trade ambitions at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition (West Africa IMT 2026), scheduled for March 3 to 5 in Lagos. The summit comes at a time when rising intra-African trade and renewed industrial policies are reshaping the region’s economic landscape.
Recent figures from the Nigeria Customs Service indicate that Nigeria’s exports to African markets grew by 14 per cent in value to N4.82 trillion, with over 60 per cent destined for West African countries. In Ghana, early results from the government’s 24-hour economy policy show gains in pilot industrial zones, such as the Tema light-manufacturing belt, where night-shift employment and industrial output have increased.
Organisers say these developments highlight both the opportunities and challenges facing West Africa in converting growing trade flows into sustainable industrial capacity, jobs and investment. Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organised by dmg Nigeria Events, the summit will focus on translating policy ambitions into measurable manufacturing growth.
Key discussions at the event will centre on expanding industrial capacity, enhancing trade facilitation, developing critical infrastructure, and mobilising long-term financing to support value-added production across the region. Wemimo Oyelana, portfolio director for Africa at dmg Events, emphasised that the summit is designed to prioritise action. “This is not a forum for conversations without consequence,” she said. “The goal is to align policy, private sector capability and capital in ways that deliver real industrial capacity, stronger value chains and measurable economic impact for West Africa.”
Despite growing trade momentum, West African countries continue to face challenges including infrastructure gaps, logistics bottlenecks, changing tariff regimes and global competition for manufacturing investment. The summit aims to address these obstacles by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investors around practical, project-focused solutions.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) advancing and regional integration gaining traction, West Africa IMT 2026 will test how effectively the region can transform trade opportunities into industrial development, marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s economic transformation.
This event positions West Africa not only as a growing trade hub but also as a region poised to expand its manufacturing footprint, create jobs, and attract investment that supports long-term economic growth.
