Zenith Bank Plc is set to bring together top government officials, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other major players in Nigeria’s economy as it hosts the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The virtual event, themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export,” will focus on how Nigeria can turn its huge non-oil export potential into real economic gains.
The seminar comes at a time when the country is under growing pressure to diversify its revenue sources and reduce its dependence on crude oil, with stakeholders increasingly looking towards agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals and other non-oil sectors to drive economic growth.
One of the major issues expected to dominate discussions is how Nigeria can stop exporting mainly raw commodities and instead develop competitive value chains capable of generating more revenue, jobs and foreign exchange.
Among the high-profile speakers expected at the event are the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene; Chief Executive Officer of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited, Patricia Poku-Diaby; and former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.
The event will also feature two major panel sessions bringing together influential voices from the public and private sectors.
The public-sector panel will feature Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Abba Bello; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Aderinola Shonekan; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi; and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni.
The private-sector panel will feature Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, Adeniji Adeyemi; Group Executive Director of Dangote Group, Sada Ladan-Baki; Senior Consultant at 3T Impex Trade Centre, Bamidele Ayemibo; Managing Director of Terra Aqua Environmental Consultancy Nigeria Limited, Mobolaji Salako; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RMM Global, Ramzi Taher; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa.
The discussions are expected to tackle some of the biggest obstacles confronting Nigerian exporters, including access to finance, customs procedures, port efficiency, regulations, trade infrastructure and access to international markets.
AfCFTA Opportunity
The African Continental Free Trade Area will also take centre stage, with speakers expected to examine how Nigerian businesses can take advantage of the continental market and expand their reach beyond the country.
With AfCFTA creating access to a market of more than one billion people, the seminar will explore how Nigerian companies can develop competitive products, strengthen regional value chains and take advantage of increased intra-African trade.
Zenith Bank has over the years positioned its International Trade Seminar as a platform for conversations around trade, investment and economic development.
The bank has also partnered with the AfCFTA Secretariat on initiatives aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and expanding opportunities for businesses across Africa.
Now in its 10th edition, the seminar has grown into a major gathering of policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, exporters and business leaders seeking solutions to challenges confronting Nigeria’s participation in global commerce.
The 2026 edition is expected to zero in on one crucial question: How can Nigeria turn its enormous non-oil export potential into sustainable wealth and stronger economic growth?
The seminar will be held virtually and streamed live across Zoom, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok, allowing participants in Nigeria and abroad to join the discussions.
Interested participants can register through Zenith Bank’s official website at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem.
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