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By Merit Ibe, [email protected]
Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mene Wamkele, has stated that deeper collaboration with the private sector remains the catalyst for igniting Africa’s long-awaited investment revolution and sustainable growth.
To this end, he said the time has come to collaboratively take private sector support in driving intra-African investment beyond the current 4 per cent.
Speaking at the 39th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Wamkele stressed that the private sector plays a central role in advancing the objectives of AfCFTA.
He noted that efforts are ongoing to harmonise trade and Customs policies, digitise trade processes, and strengthen regional value chains. According to him, partnering with the private sector will accelerate these goals and enhance Africa’s economic integration.
Wamkele added that the theme of the fair “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” focuses on regional integration, trade facilitation, investment opportunities, inclusive partnerships, and the creative economy, which aligns with AfCFTA’s mission.
He reaffirmed that the AfCFTA Secretariat’s presence at the fair underscores its commitment to supporting private sector participation in the continental trade agenda.
“The theme of this forum, from regional integration and trade facilitation to investment opportunities, inclusive partnerships, the creative economy, resonates with the mission of the AFCFTA.
“As we work towards the harmonization of our trade policy,
of our customs policy and procedures, on advancing our objective on digitizing our trade and building value chains, we believe that working with the private sector, we can move much faster and achieve these objectives.
“Inclusivity of benefits of trade, inclusivity of opportunities, must be at the center and must be our priority.
“That is why our heads of states adopted the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, so that the opportunities that we know exist, the opportunities that our SMEs, that are led by women and young people, can be translated beyond the national borders, beyond the regions to the rest of the continent.
“The Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, in the face of its time around the world, it enables us as Africans to transcend,
to transcend from emotional rhetoric about support for SMEs that are led by young people and women, to codifying these aspirations into legally binding obligations that eliminate barriers that confront women and young people as they seek to expand their business.
“The private sector is at the heart of the AFCFTA and its implementation.”
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For the Chairman of Council and president of the LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the best of Nigerian entrepreneurship and ingenuity, as well as the diversity and richness of the global economic partnerships.
Idahosa disclosed that the chamber was targeting about 500,000 visitors expected over the course of 10 days, with over 2000 exhibitors from several countries within Africa and beyond. He urged Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to network with these international exhibitors, initiate distributorship deals, and foster trade agreements that will enhance their business value chains and diversify their product offerings.
“The 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair leaps forward in scale, design, and diversity. This year, we proudly introduce a multi-exhibition model, multiple experiences in one grand location, allowing visitors to explore distinct sectors of opportunity within a single, vibrant ecosystem.
“This year’s fair holds special significance as Nigeria navigates an era of economic stabilization, marked by improvements in key indicators such as a decline in inflation, a rate cut on the monetary policy rate, a stable exchange rate, and targeted policy reforms across several sectors.
“As an incubator of ideas and a catalyst for commerce, the Lagos International Trade Fair serves as a beacon of opportunity, providing enterprises with a platform to showcase resilience-driven solutions, explore synergies, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria and the wider region.
“This year, we anticipate an increase in attendance, targeting about 500,000 visitors expected over the course of 10 days. With over 2000 exhibitors from several countries within Africa and beyond, we are committed to providing a dynamic platform that fosters business networking, explores new market opportunities, and encourages partnerships to generate value across the economy.”
Idahosa encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunities to engage, connect, and create wealth.
“This year’s trade fair will feature a range of specialized exhibitions and events. These will provide exhibitors with a tailored platform to reach their ideal audiences, whether children and families, tech enthusiasts, or international investors.
Our pre-fair survey provides an initial quantitative assessment of the economic contribution generated by the setup phase of the Lagos International Trade Fair. “Preliminary data on booth construction reveal a direct injection of N250 million into the local economy and the employment of 280 local artisans. This demonstrates a significant initial economic stimulus, highlighting the Fair’s role as a major catalyst for job creation and local expenditure even before its official opening.
“The Tech Hub represents the forefront of our commitment to digital transformation. From telecommunications to software and ICT, this hub showcases technopreneurs and innovators who are revolutionizing Nigeria’s digital landscape. The tech sector remains one of the fastest-growing segments of the Nigerian economy, and we are thrilled to support these pioneers in pursuing technology-driven solutions that will propel our economy forward.
“The Africa Hall is one of our proudest accomplishments, providing a shared space where businesses from across the African continent can forge partnerships, establish trade networks, and accelerate intra-African trade. As a strategic platform aligned with the AfCFTA, this hall serves as a gateway for new alliances that drive inclusive economic development across the continent. The Africa Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK) supports the Africa Hall, which exemplifies our mission to create a unified and prosperous Africa.
“Our commitment to global connectivity shines brightly through our partnerships with international organizations.
“ This year, we are excited to host over 100 exhibitors from China, represented by the United Asia International Exhibition Co., Ltd., who will showcase products across multiple sectors, including automotive parts, tools, and textiles.
“We are equally honored to host JETRO (the Japan External Trade Organization), which has confirmed over 100 Japanese exhibitors, enhancing the cultural and commercial diversity of the fair.”
