In light of Africa’s minimal contribution to global Gross Domestic Product and the world’s manufacturing value-add, the 2025 West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa-IMT) Summit and Exhibition is set to hold in Lagos this year.
A statement from the organisers revealed that the event’s landmark edition is aimed at accelerating industrial development within West Africa by bringing together key decision-makers from across the industrialisation ecosystem. These stakeholders will collaborate to shape the pathway toward a sustainable and intra-African industrial revolution.
Themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” the summit will attract market leaders from around the globe to foster discussions on partnerships that leverage Africa’s natural resources and human capital alongside advanced technological solutions from developed nations.
The organisers emphasised that industrialisation has been identified by Heads of State across West Africa as a pivotal priority. “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 its abundance in natural resources including raw materials and human capital,” the statement noted.
Despite its immense potential, Africa faces challenges that impede industrial growth. The statement highlighted: “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.”
The organisers expressed optimism about the prospects for West Africa’s industrialisation, underscoring the importance of strategic reforms and policy measures to attract investors and create a conducive business environment.
“Through effective reforms and the right policy measures, nations within the region are set to attract investors and create an enabling environment for business to thrive. The potential utilisation of advanced technologies for cleaner energy systems and green industrialisation could see African nations leapfrogging for a more rapid and efficient industrial revolution,” the statement added.
The West Africa-IMT Summit promises to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment, as the region seeks to harness its resources and position itself as a formidable player in global industrialisation.