The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has partnered with dmg Nigeria Events to organize a major industrial summit that promises to reshape West Africa's economic landscape in 2026.
Summit Details and Objectives
Scheduled to take place from March 3 to 5, 2026 in Lagos, the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit and Exhibition will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and investors under the theme 'Accelerating West Africa's Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity'.
The event aims to examine how regional policy changes are creating new industrial opportunities and enhancing cross-border supply chain integration across West African nations.
Shifting Economic Paradigms
According to event organizers, governments, investors, and business leaders throughout West Africa are transitioning from purely extractive economic models toward industrialization anchored in technology, regional integration, and sustainable value creation.
A new industrial landscape is emerging across the subregion, driven by established manufacturing and processing sectors alongside significant advancements in innovation, digitization, and next-generation industries.
West African economies are actively pursuing ambitious industrial upgrade programs, with Nigeria's incoming National Industrial Policy (NIP) serving as a prime example. The policy prioritizes technology adoption, equipment financing, and digitized manufacturing as key drivers of economic transformation.
Leadership Perspective on Regional Progress
Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria at dmg events, emphasized that the next chapter of West Africa's industrial growth will be shaped by innovation in several critical areas.
'The next chapter of West Africa's industrial growth will be shaped by innovation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, gas-based production, technology adoption and stronger policy alignment,' Oyelana stated.
He described the WA-IMT Summit as designed to serve as the central platform for shaping the region's industrial transformation, setting strategic priorities, and defining the industry agenda.
'We are convening industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and investors to turn ideas, reforms, and emerging technologies into real industrial outcomes across the region,' Oyelana added.
Participants at the 2026 summit will gain firsthand insights into the region's rapidly evolving industrial landscape and the opportunities driving sustainable growth.
Through high-level discussions, technical sessions, and strategic networking, delegates will explore emerging investment frontiers, policy frameworks, and cross-border collaboration models that can accelerate manufacturing competitiveness throughout West Africa.
