Economic diversification, regional integration, export value chain consolidation, export infrastructure development, and export financing were among the key discussion points at the recently concluded 2024 Zenith Bank Plc International Trade Seminar.
The event, which was the 9th edition of the seminar was held at the iconic Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, under the theme “Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant.” It brought together stakeholders and experts from the Nigerian export sector to explore strategies for boosting the country’s non-oil export market.
During the panel session, Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant, ETK’s Managing Director, Bolaji Sofoluwe, along with other esteemed panelists including Dr. Williams Kanya, Hon. Otunba Tola Faseru, Dr. Obiora Madu, Mr. Adeniran Ige, FCA and Mevis Aiyeju, provided valuable insights on how to develop and expand the country’s non-oil sector to unlock its full export potential.
From the welcome address delivered by GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank PLC, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji OON, to goodwill messages from Lagos State’s Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, keynote speeches from Secretary of the AfCFTA, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, and MD of NEXIM Bank, Alhaji Abba Bello, the seminar witnessed unified calls for more focused efforts on adding value to Nigeria’s non-oil export products, transforming them from raw materials into semi-finished and finished goods to unlock greater economic benefits for the country.
Key takeaways from the event included:
📌 The urgent need for comprehensive port reforms to ease congestion and reduce export costs.
📌Sector consolidation and improvement of export and logistics infrastructure to enhance #market access.
📌Greater regional integration through #AfCFTA initiatives to boost the quality and competitiveness of Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
📌Increased export financing to elevate the value of non-oil products and improve the business environment for manufacturers.
📌Addressing insecurity to attract #investment into the Nigerian export sector.
📌Developing and enhancing the service sector to stimulate #growth and drive service exports.
📌Establishing a unified customs union across the continent to lower shipping costs within African and international markets.
As an African-focused market entry and trade expansion consultancy, this seminar aligns with our mission to facilitate #trade and #business opportunities across the continent.
A big thank you to Zenith Bank Plc for consistently championing Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and identifying emerging opportunities to drive growth in this important sector.