West Africa IMT 2025: Turning global trade shifts into regional strength
By Taiye Olayemi
As global trade navigates the complexities of rising international tensions, West Africa is proactively charting a course towards economic empowerment.
This is through enhanced regional integration and strategic industrial development.
Instead of being sidelined by shifts in global alliances, the region is seizing the moment to strengthen its internal capacity and become a more attractive global partner.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is providing the framework for this transformation, fostering stronger intra-African trade links.
Examples of this progress include Ghana’s projected six per cent increase in regional exports, the growth of Senegal’s textile industry catering to regional demand, and Côte d’Ivoire’s advancements in value-added cocoa processing for wider markets.
These initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of a unified economic bloc.
The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, had earlier highlighted this opportunity, stating that while the escalating tariff conflicts were serious, “it presents an opportunity for Nigeria”.
According to him, it will reposition itself as a competitive trade and investment destination, attract supply chain diversification, and deepen local value addition in key export sectors.
The upcoming West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025, with has the theme; “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” will serve as a platform to concretise these solutions.
Taking place in Lagos from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, the summit will convene key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for regional industrial advancement and trade diversification.
Mrs Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa, dmg events, said that the proactive nature of the event, stating, “The ongoing global trade tensions present a critical opportunity for Africa to reset its trade strategy, prioritising intra-continental partnerships and diversifying its international trade mix.
“The West Africa IMT Summit and Exhibition will bring together senior stakeholders from across the continent to chart a course for a resilient and sustainable industrial revolution in the region.”
The focus will be on practical solutions such as creating favourable investment climates, mobilising capital for industrial projects, building robust regional and value chains.
It will alsi help in accelerating the development of essential infrastructure and sustainable energy sources.
The West Africa IMT Summit and Exhibition offers a timely and strategic forum for the region to collectively design and implement solutions for sustainable industrialisation.
Through policy roundtables, investment showcases and thematic sessions, delegates will collaborate on strategies to enhance trade, and foster industrial innovation.
It will also build resilient infrastructure, leverage digital commerce, and secure necessary financing.(NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
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