Over 2,500 participants from across the continent and beyond are expected to converge in Lagos for the 2025 edition of the West Africa Industrialization, Manufacturing, and Trade (IMT) Summit and Exhibition, aimed at driving sustainable industrial growth across the region.
The high-level summit, set for the third quarter of the year, will feature the participation of heads of government, 15 African ministers, 70 industry experts, and delegates from 25 countries. It will focus on leveraging public-private partnerships to accelerate an industrial revolution in West Africa.
Speaking at a pre-summit media briefing, Ms. Wemimo Oyelana, Portfolio and Country Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of actionable outcomes from the summit. She noted that the forum will provide strategic solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and create new trade pathways essential for economic prosperity.
“The summit will spotlight critical sectors such as energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics, technology, trade, and security to strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem,” Oyelana stated.
Themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” this year’s event will explore how African economies can adapt to shifts in global trade dynamics while fostering diversification, innovation, and inclusive economic development.
Organizers say the summit will serve as a catalyst for investment, policy alignment, and cross-border collaboration to position West Africa as a competitive industrial hub.