RestLogic Nigeria, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) and the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine, has announced the first-ever National Free Trade Fair, a landmark event designed to empower 1,000 youth and women-owned businesses with greater visibility and access to opportunities.
The three-day fair is scheduled to take place from October 14–16, 2025, at the Exhibition Pavilion beside the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Central Business District, Abuja.
Announcing the initiative, Ambassador Jeremiah Agala, Executive Director of RestLogic Nigeria and Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine, said the fair is aimed at breaking barriers that limit youth and women entrepreneurs, particularly lack of access to markets, funding, and sustainable partnerships.
“The National Free Trade Fair will provide free exhibition booths, mentorship, training, and opportunities to connect with both local and international investors. Nigeria’s youths and industrious women remain key drivers of national development, but access to markets and finance continues to limit their growth. This fair will provide a dynamic platform to showcase innovation and unlock opportunities for economic inclusion,” Agala stated.
The event, themed “Empowering Women and Youths for Inclusive Economic Growth,” is expected to attract over 20,000 participants and project deals worth more than ₦20 billion.
Agala explained that the exhibition will feature 1,000 youth and women-owned enterprises across key sectors such as agriculture, technology, fashion, beauty, handicrafts, and the creative economy. Exhibitors will also benefit from masterclasses on agribusiness, business development, digital skills, the creative economy, and real estate.
In addition, the fair will host an Investment Roundtable, where startups can pitch directly to angel investors and venture capitalists, alongside a Partnership Pavilion for NGOs, development agencies, and government ministries. Cultural showcases including youth performances, poetry, and a talent show will also be featured.
Key institutions expected at the fair include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Bank of Industry (BOI); SMEDAN; Federal Ministry of Youth Development; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology; AfCFTA; NEXIM Bank; and several international development partners.
Workshops and empowerment sessions will run concurrently with exhibitions, focusing on financial literacy, branding, marketing, and export readiness. The final day will feature empowerment programs and recognition of outstanding participants.
According to Agala, the fair has an estimated budget of over ₦100 million, with sponsorship categories available at Title, Platinum, Gold, and Start-Up levels. These will offer sponsors branding visibility, exhibition space, and exclusive networking opportunities.
“This maiden edition is not only a trade exhibition but also a national empowerment drive. It provides a unique opportunity to catalyze inclusive economic growth by empowering the two most dynamic segments of Nigeria’s population: youths and women,” Agala added.
