More than 1,000 business leaders from consumer goods companies and tech firms attended the Route to Market West Africa Summit at Lagos Marriott Hotel this week, discussing strategies for market growth and operational challenges in the region.
The conference brought together executives, distributors, retailers and logistics specialists for two days of discussions on market access, technology adoption and economic adaptation across West Africa.
Bhojsons Plc Chief Executive Narendra Nagarkar spoke about modernizing distribution networks through data analytics and technological solutions during his keynote address.
PZ Cussons Nigeria Managing Director Oghale Elueni focused on operational adaptation in her presentation, telling attendees that companies must build organizational strength to handle changing market conditions.
The event included six discussion panels and an executive conversation featuring representatives from multinational corporations. Participants included executives from Unilever, Coca-Cola, Diageo, British American Tobacco, Lafarge Africa, Moniepoint and Danone.
Panel topics covered economic challenges, digital marketing strategies, sales innovation and customer engagement approaches across West African markets.
Conference speakers repeatedly highlighted digital transformation as crucial for supply chain efficiency and market expansion. Several presentations examined how technology can help companies reach remote and underserved areas.
Industry leaders also discussed the importance of consumer research and behavioral analysis for maintaining competitive positioning in volatile markets.
The summit addressed ongoing challenges in West Africa’s retail landscape, including infrastructure constraints, regulatory shifts and economic uncertainty. Participants emphasized collaborative approaches to regional market development.
The annual conference serves as a key networking platform for cross-industry partnerships and strategic planning in the West African consumer goods sector.