A surge in intra-African trade is reshaping West Africa’s industrial outlook. Data from the Nigeria Customs Service shows that Nigeria’s exports to other African markets rose by 14% to ₦4.82 trillion ($3.48 billion), with over 60% flowing into West Africa. 

Ghana's 24-hour economy policy is yielding early gains, with pilot zones such as the Tema light-manufacturing belt reporting increased industrial output and night-shift employment growth, particularly in manufacturing sectors. These developments reflect growing regional demand, deeper market linkages, and the early impact of continental trade integration efforts. Sustaining this momentum, however, will depend on how effectively trade growth is matched with industrial capacity, efficient logistics, and coordinated investment across the region.

The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition (West Africa IMT 2026), taking place on March 3 to 5 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and organised by dmg Nigeria events, is positioned as a critical forum for examining how West Africa can convert policy alignment into tangible industrial growth, stronger manufacturing output, and sustainable investment outcomes.

The cross-sectoral speaker faculty, including Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment; Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Minister of Industry & Trade, Republic of Benin; Olushegun (Shegun) Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Benin; Cheikh Niane, Vice Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines, Senegal; Adebisi Adebutu, Group President, R28 Holdings: Dr Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering; Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO of Matta; George Onafowokan, Managing Director and CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables; Olumuyiwa Kosile, Managing Director of Ikosh Nigeria Limited; Naana Winful Fynn, Regional Director for West Africa at Norfund; Lola Ekugo-Aworati, CEO of Afriboarder; Olutayo Olusegun, Senior Trade Policy and Law Expert and AfCFTA Lead for Trade Enablement; Sam Olugbenga Faleye, Chairman & CEO Saglev; and Ufuoma Adasen, Vice President, Heavy Industries, Telecoms & Technology at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), alongside other senior industry figures will address the growing need for coordination between policy direction, private sector execution, and long-term capital.

The programme is designed to develop strategies for capacity development, trade facilitation, infrastructure delivery, and financing structures that can shape West Africa's industrial landscape.

The urgency driving West Africa IMT 2026 has been reflected at the highest levels of government. Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment, emphasised the summit's strategic importance: "Industrial growth is not just an economic imperative. It is the foundation for job creation, skills development, and sustainable prosperity. The future of our nation and the region depends on how boldly we embrace industrialisation today. The Ministry is pleased to endorse the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit 2026. This initiative supports Nigeria's industrialisation agenda and strengthens regional trade, with strong potential to drive economic growth across West Africa. We commend dmg Nigeria Events for its continued contribution to industrial and trade development in the region. We look forward to welcoming industry stakeholders to Lagos, Nigeria, for insightful discussions that will unlock the transformation we seek across the region."

The summit's focus is on actionable outcomes rather than dialogue alone. Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa & Country Director at dmg Events, recently emphasised: "West Africa IMT is not designed to be a forum for conversations without consequence. It is a platform deliberately bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, investors, and technologists who have the mandate and capacity to move industrialisation forward across the region. The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owoh, has been clear that this engagement must go beyond discussion. The responsibility is to align understanding, commit to action, and ensure that the outcomes of these conversations translate into real industrial capacity, stronger value chains, and measurable economic impact for West Africa."

The shift from raw material exports toward value-added production demands closer alignment between government policy, operational capability, and investment capital, a challenge further shaped by AfCFTA implementation timelines, evolving tariff regimes, infrastructure demands, and intensifying global competition for manufacturing investment. By convening decision-makers from both the public and private sectors around focused discussions on industrial capacity expansion, resilient infrastructure, efficient trade systems, sustainable financing, and cross-sector collaboration, West Africa IMT 2026 grounds its approach in regulatory context while remaining firmly anchored in execution.

West Africa now navigates a pivotal phase in its industrial development. With a distinguished speaker lineup and a programme designed around infrastructure, power, capital, and trade enablers, West Africa IMT 2026 aims to be precisely the place where policy meets project, and where the region's industrial ambitions are tested, funded, and launched. 

For further information about West Africa IMT 2026, visit https://www.westafricaimt.com/

-TradeArabia News Service