Currently, Africa's contribution to global GDP is 3%, contributing only 2% to the global manufacturing value addition (UNIDO 2024). A resource-rich country with an economy based on the export of goods can only acquire up to 30% of its value. Product bulging and strategic shifts towards exports can generate returns that are more than 10 times the original value.
However, international investors continue to consider opportunities within the region. For the past 12 months, the Ghanaian government has signed a landmark $12 billion contract with the TCP-UIC Consortium for the development of an oil hub project featuring three refineries and five petrochemical plants. Eni has pledged $10 billion to develop the Balaine Field Offshore Côte D'Ivoire. In June 2024, the Nigerian Federal Government secured a $3 billion facility from Afrexim Bank to build an industrial park and invest in light manufacturing. The African Development Bank Group has approved a $75 million loan to support the implementation of the Resource Mobilization and Industrial Development Assistance Program (PAMRDI-I) in Senegal.
The highly anticipated West Africa Industrialization, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa – IMT) summit and exhibition are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria from May 27-29, 2025. It brings together key decision makers from across the industrial ecosystem to collaborate and chart the path to a sustainable, in-Africa industrial revolution.
The event, which “accelerated West Africa's sustainable industrial revolution for economic prosperity,” brings innovative discourse on innovative partnerships to leverage resource contributions from African countries and technological solutions to developed countries. Convenes market leaders from around the globe to trigger.
West African heads of state set industrialization as an important priority, acknowledging it as a central catalyst for economic change, and as a way to harness the abundance of natural resources, such as raw materials and human capital.
With abundant natural resources, young labor, potential for renewable energy, arable land, growing middle-class consumer markets and cost-competitive labor, Africa has many key elements for industrial success. Masu. However, the region continues to tackle the impacts of climate change on agriculture, rising energy and food prices, and geopolitical tensions over political uncertainty.
Through effective reform and appropriate policy measures, countries within the region are set to attract investors and create a potential environment for business success. The potential use of clean energy systems and advanced technology for green industrialization allows African countries to jump up and down for a faster and more efficient industrial revolution.
“The West Africa Industrialization, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa-IMT) Summit and Exhibition is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at unlocking West Africa's full industrial potential.
To promote important discourses to develop regional industrialization and trade strategies and to promote business development efforts for businesses, the West African IMT is committed to supporting regional and international governments and private sector stakeholders. It's in the center. Industrial Revolution.
DMG is committed to creating a platform that brings together industry stakeholders to move markets and drives change progress. Through our partnership, we aim to promote economic prosperity across the region and establish West Africa as a key player in the global industrial ecosystem. ”
Wemimo Oyelana, Nigeria & Portfolio Director, Africa, DMG Events and Country Director.
On the three event days, the government will meet with the private sector and international investors to outline the priorities of a sustainable industrialization journey. The event is expected to attract 2,500 participants from over 25 countries, making it the region's first attendance.
The large exhibition will showcase major international and regional players, including manufacturing, energy, finance, technology, logistics, raw materials, and security. Trade marking and collaboration are at the heart of networking opportunities.
The summit, in line with the agenda of government and private sector players, devises solutions to barriers that hinder industrial development and introduces regional and international cooperation and trade opportunities. The Strategic Summit will also feature leadership dialogue, investment roundtables and a series of CPD certified technical workshops.
Industrialization, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition in West Africa
May 27-29, 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria
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