AfCFTA Sec-Gen, Afreximbank chief, regulators to outline growth strategies on August 25*
### *• Virtual event targets value-chain development and regional market integration*
In a bid to accelerate economic diversification, Zenith Bank Plc is set to 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 Export,”* will bring together policymakers, regulators, exporters, investors, and manufacturers to explore practical strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s non-oil export potential.
Key discussions will center 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
The milestone event features an array of global trade leaders, including the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene; the Chief Executive Officer of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited, Mrs. Patricia Poku-Diaby; and the immediate past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.
Public and Private Sector Dialogues
The seminar will feature two high-level panel sessions to address regulatory bottlenecks and private sector opportunities.
The public sector panel will focus on trade facilitation, customs efficiency, and investment promotion. Panelists include:
* Mr. Abba Bello (MD/CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank)
* Mr. Adewale Adeniyi (Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service)
* Ms. Aderinola Shonekan (Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria)
* Mrs. Aisha Rimi (Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission)
* Mrs. Nonye Ayeni (Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council)
The private sector panel will address market competitiveness, logistics, and supply chain management. Speakers include Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki (Group Executive Director, Dangote Group), Alhaji Adeniji Adeyemi (MD/CEO, Starlink Global & Ideal Limited), and other key industry players.
### Leveraging AfCFTA
A major focus of this year’s seminar will be the AfCFTA, which connects Nigerian businesses to a continental market of over 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 grown into a premier platform for shaping Nigeria’s export policy. The bank has remained at the forefront of facilitating 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 the bank’s social media platforms. Registration is open to the public at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem.
