—AfCFTA Sec‑Gen, Afreximbank chief and regulators to outline growth strategies on August 25
—Virtual event targets value‑chain development and regional market integration
The Zenith Bank Plc will host the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The virtual seminar, themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non‑Oil Exports,” will bring together policymakers, regulators, exporters, investors and manufacturers to explore practical strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s non‑oil export potential.
Key discussions will focus on how the nation can transition from exporting raw commodities to building globally competitive value chains, expanding trade infrastructure, improving export financing and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
High‑profile speakers
Speakers include H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary‑General of the AfCFTA Secretariat; Patricia Poku‑Diaby, CEO of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited; and Professor Benedict Oramah, immediate past president and chairman of the board of the African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank).
Public and private sector dialogues
The seminar will feature two high‑level panels addressing regulatory bottlenecks and private‑sector opportunities.
Public‑sector panelists include:
• Abba Bello, MD/CEO, Nigerian Export‑Import Bank
• Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller‑General, Nigeria Customs Service
• Aderinola Shonekan, Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria
• Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
• Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council
Private‑sector speakers include Alhaji Sada Ladan‑Baki, Group Executive Director, Dangote Group; Alhaji Adeniji Adeyemi, MD/CEO, Starlink Global & Ideal Limited; and other industry leaders who will address market competitiveness, logistics and supply‑chain management.
Leveraging AfCFTA
A major focus of this year’s seminar is the AfCFTA, which links Nigerian businesses to a continental market of more than one billion people. Panelists will examine how domestic enterprises can build competitive regional value chains and navigate cross‑border trade regulations.
Over the past decade, the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar has become a premier platform for shaping Nigeria’s export policy. The bank continues to support regional and international commerce through strategic partnerships with the AfCFTA Secretariat and tailored financial products for exporters.
The seminar will be streamed live on Zoom and on the bank’s social‑media platforms. Registration is open to the public at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem.
