Africa’s contribution to the global GDP currently stands at three per cent, contributing only two per cent to the world’s manufacturing value added (UNIDO 2024). Resource-rich nations with economies based on the export of commodities are only able to capture a maximum of 30 per cent of their value. A strategic shift toward product valorization and export could generate returns exceeding 10x the original value.

However, international investors continue to review opportunities within the region. Over the last 12 months, the Government of Ghana signed a landmark $12 billion agreement with the TCP-UIC Consortium for the development of the Petroleum Hub Project, featuring three refineries and five petrochemical plants. ENI pledged $10 billion to develop the Baleine field offshore Côte d’Ivoire. In June 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria secured a $3 billion facility from Afrexim Bank to build an industrial park and invest in light manufacturing. The African Development Bank Group approved a $75 million loan to support the implementation of the Resource Mobilization and Industrial Development Support Programme (PAMRDI-I) in Senegal.

The highly anticipated West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa – IMT) Summit and Exhibition is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 27–29 May 2025. The landmark edition aims to support the acceleration of industrial development within West Africa by convening key decision-makers from across the entire industrialisation ecosystem to collaborate and chart the pathway towards a sustainable and intra-African industrial revolution.

Themed ‘Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,’ the event will convene market leaders from around the globe to spark innovative discourse on developing partnerships to leverage the resource endowments of African nations and the technological solutions of developed nations.

Heads of State across West Africa have set industrialisation as the key priority, acknowledging it as the central catalyst for economic transformation and an avenue to take advantage of their abundance of natural resources, including raw materials and human capital.

With abundant natural resources, a young workforce, renewable energy potential, arable land, a growing middle-class consumer market, and a cost-competitive labour force, Africa has many of the key ingredients for industrial success. However, the region continues to grapple with the impact of climate change on agriculture, geopolitical tensions driving up energy and food prices, and political uncertainties.

Through effective reforms and the right policy measures, nations within the region are set to attract investors and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The potential utilization of advanced technologies for cleaner energy systems and green industrialisation could enable African nations to leapfrog into a more rapid and efficient industrial revolution.

“The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa – IMT) Summit and Exhibition is a landmark initiative dedicated to unlocking West Africa’s full industrial potential. By fostering the discourse that is critical to developing the industrialisation and trade strategies for the region and bringing companies together to drive business development efforts, West Africa IMT will be at the heart of supporting regional and international government and private sector stakeholders to spearhead a sustainable industrial revolution. At dmg, we have a commitment to creating platforms that bring industry stakeholders together to move the market and drive transformative progress. Through our partnerships, we aim to drive economic prosperity for the entire region and establish West Africa as a vital player in the global industrial ecosystem,” said Wemimo Oyelana, Country Director, Nigeria, and Portfolio Director, Africa, dmg events.

Over the three event days, governments will meet with the private sector and international investors to outline priorities for a sustainable industrialisation journey. The event is expected to attract 2,500 attendees from over 25 countries, making it the first of its kind within the region.

The large-scale exhibition will showcase major international and regional players in manufacturing, energy, finance, technology, logistics, raw materials, and security. Deal-making and collaboration will be at the heart of the networking opportunities.

The summit will align with the agenda of governments and private sector players to devise solutions to the barriers inhibiting the development of industries while showcasing the opportunities for regional and international collaboration and trade. The Strategic Summit will also feature leadership dialogues, investment roundtables, and a series of CPD-accredited technical workshops.

West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit and Exhibition
27–29 May 2025 | Landmark Centre, Lagos.