Global pharmaceutical investors have intensified their focus on Nigeria and the West African sub-region as the third edition of Pharma West Africa ended at the Landmark Event Centre, where it was held from April 14 to 16.

The three-day exhibition, organised by Trade Show Organisers, attracted over 250 exhibitors and participants from across Europe, Asia, and Africa, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key destination for healthcare investment.

Exhibition Manager, Kieran Westlake, described the event as one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the region, driven by increasing global interest in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market.

“I remember launching this show two years ago, and it has become one of the fastest-growing exhibitions we’ve done as a business,” Westlake said. “We’ve got record-breaking exhibitors now from all over the globe, including country pavilions from Turkey, China, Egypt, Bangladesh and St. Petersburg. It’s growing bigger and bigger.”

He added that the 2026 edition also recorded unprecedented visitor registrations, reflecting the rising importance of the event in connecting investors with local opportunities.

Findings at the exhibition showed strong participation from international and regional companies, many of whom expressed readiness to expand into the Nigerian market through strategic partnerships.

A representative of a Turkish pharmaceutical firm, Abdi İbrahim, said the company was exploring long-term investment opportunities in Nigeria.

“We see Nigeria as a strategic market in Africa. The population, demand for healthcare products, and the openness to partnerships make it very attractive for us,” the representative said.

Similarly, a delegate from Geropharm LLC, Russia, noted that the exhibition provided a direct pathway to engage with local distributors and regulators.

“This platform allows us to meet credible Nigerian partners and understand the regulatory environment better. It is a critical step for any company looking to enter this market,” he said.

Also speaking, Suresh Gondalia, the Chairman of True Drug Pharma Private Limited, India, highlighted the importance of regional integration in driving growth.

“We are not just looking at Nigeria alone, but the entire West African market. Events like this help us build the networks needed to scale across the region,” the exhibitor stated.

Westlake emphasised that the exhibition was intentionally designed as a regional platform, bringing together pharmacists, government officials, and business leaders to foster collaboration.

“We didn’t want to pigeonhole the event to one country. We want to build the biggest pharmaceutical exhibition in West Africa, and that’s why we have a strong conference featuring industry leaders and international experts,” he said.

He traced the growth of the exhibition from a modest inaugural edition dominated by local firms to a global event with diverse participation.

“In the first year, about 70 per cent of exhibitors were local, and we had just one hall. Now, in the third edition, we have over 250 exhibitors and six country pavilions. The opportunities are much bigger for both international and local players,” he added.

Westlake noted that partnerships between foreign companies and Nigerian firms had become a defining feature of the exhibition.

“Many of the companies here are exhibiting alongside their regional partners. That is very important because international firms cannot effectively operate here without local collaboration,” he said.

On recent policy changes, including the Federal Government’s reduction in import duties on pharmaceutical products, stakeholders expressed optimism that the move would boost access and investment.

Westlake said, “International companies understand the regulatory process, but policies like this will certainly make the market more attractive and accessible.”

Industry observers noted that Nigeria’s large population, growing healthcare needs, and evolving policy environment continue to position the country as a major pharmaceutical hub in Africa.

They added that Pharma West Africa has become a critical meeting point for investors and local stakeholders, driving partnerships, knowledge exchange, and long-term investments in the sector.