The upcoming West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025 will explore the new opportunities created by today’s global trade challenges.

The event will take place from 21–23 October 2025 in Lagos and will focus on how African economies can use these changes to grow their industries and expand their trade in a sustainable way.

With the theme “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” the summit will bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, and development groups from across Africa and other regions.

They will discuss how disruptions in global supply chains, rising trade restrictions, and shifting international partnerships are pushing Africa to strengthen its industries and diversify its trade.

Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director, Africa, at dmg events, said, “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.”

Oyelana also explained that the summit will cover key issues such as creating a supportive environment for investment, unlocking funds, building stronger regional supply chains, and developing infrastructure and energy systems to support African industries in a sustainable way.

“As Africa redefines its place in the global economy, this summit is pivotal in shaping its industrial future,” she added.

Global trade is going through major changes because of growing tensions between big economies.

For example, the tariff dispute between the United States and China has led to taxes as high as 145 percent, forcing manufacturers and buyers around the world to rethink where they get their products and who they trade with.

But within these challenges, West Africa is stepping forward as an investment-ready and ambitious region that is working together more closely.

Regional integration projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are moving ahead.

Ghana expects its regional exports to rise by 6 percent, Senegal’s textile industry is growing, and Côte d’Ivoire is taking the lead in cocoa processing and trade.

These trends are setting the stage for Africa’s next major industrial phase.

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is also focusing on these opportunities.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Wale Edun, recently spoke about the global trade tensions.

He acknowledged their seriousness but also highlighted the chance for Nigeria to become a more attractive trade and investment destination, diversify supply chains, and increase local production in key export sectors.

These topics are shaping the West Africa IMT Summit 2025, which organisers believe will launch a new chapter for African economies, helping them build a stronger and more stable role in global trade.