By Lucy Ogalue

The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), and the Pan-African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI), have agreed to strengthen Africa’s manufacturing sector and enhance small and medium industries (SMIs) competitiveness.

Mr Henry Emejuo, the Director-General, PAOSMI said this on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Afreximbank Annual Meeting (AAM2025).

The theme of the event is; “Trade-Driven Industrialisation for Africa’s Sustainable Development: A Pathway to Realising AfCFTA and the Africa We Want.”

According to Emejuo, the MoU establishes a collaborative framework between the two organisations to jointly advance industrial policy, capacity building, intra-African trade, investment promotion, and enterprise support.

He described the partnership as a significant step toward unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and empowering local industries to compete on a global scale.

“This MoU allows us to coordinate efforts, share resources and design programmes that benefit both large-scale manufacturers and small industrial enterprises across Africa.

“The alliance will help SMIs gain access to training, market intelligence, technical support, and regional value chains.

“The growth of SMIs is vital for inclusive industrialisation in Africa. This partnership will ensure they are not left behind in the AfCFTA implementation,” he said.

He listed key areas of collaboration to include the co-organisation of strategic events such as the Pan-African Industrial Convention and joint training programmes.

The director-general listed other areas to include industrial clinics, and support for participation in continental trade expos like the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

Emejuo said both organisations were committed to promoting export readiness, developing joint fundraising strategies, working with multilateral institutions and technical partners to mobilise resources for industrial development.

“The MoU outlines the appointment of focal persons in both institutions, a joint annual work plan, and a confidentiality clause to protect shared information.

“Although not legally binding, the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to impactful cooperation over an initial three-year period, renewable by mutual consent.

“Disputes arising from the MoU are to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration under Nigerian law, with Lagos designated as the seat of arbitration,” he said.

The event was co-organised by PAMA, the African Business Council (AfBC), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), as part of a continental trade mission supported by Afreximbank.

Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Secretary-General of PAMA, signed on behalf of the association, while Emejuo represented PAOSMIthe alliance. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams