Latest news with #JumokeOduwole


Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Unlocking Africa's $180bln digital trade economy
LAGOS, Nigeria -- The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion. The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge. 'The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.' H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment 'Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.' Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta. Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace ( and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions. This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation. Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines. Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets. As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come. West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition 21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events. Contact Details: Roshan Jan-Mahomed Head of Marketing – Africa Email: info@ About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025: The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity. Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities. 15+ African ministers 25+ countries represented from around the globe 70+ expert industry speakers 250+ exhibiting companies 500+ conference delegates 2,500+ attendees About dmg Nigeria events: dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses. DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year. This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change. For more information on dmg events, visit: SOURCE dmg Nigeria events

Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria Strengthens Trade and Investment Ties with the United Kingdom (UK) During the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit
Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, successfully concluded a series of high-level engagements in London, reinforcing Nigeria's commitment to fostering trade and investment partnerships with the UK. The visit, anchored around the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held on 7-8 April, provided a vital platform to showcase Nigeria's strategic economic priorities and attract investment into key sectors. During her visit, Dr. Oduwole participated in two exclusive events hosted by Invest Africa, engaging with top-tier stakeholders, business leaders, and investors. These engagements underscored Nigeria's dedication to economic diversification, investment mobilisation, and strengthening the London-Lagos investment corridor. On 8 April, the Minister delivered a keynote address at an Invest Africa-hosted roundtable, where she outlined Nigeria's investment potential and strategic trade policies. The discussion focused on boosting non-oil sectors, promoting ease of doing business, and enhancing UK-Nigeria commercial ties. Senior executives from the UK business and investor community engaged directly with the Minister, fostering dialogue on new investment opportunities and partnerships that will contribute to Nigeria's long-term development goals. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, stated: 'Nigeria is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment that fosters investment, innovation, and economic growth. Our engagements in London demonstrate our dedication to strengthening trade ties, supporting local and foreign investors, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a prime investment destination. The opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in non-oil sectors, are immense, and we invite investors to be part of this journey towards sustainable development.' Additionally, the Minister participated in an exclusive event co-hosted by Invest Africa in partnership with Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). This strategic engagement positioned LFZ as a premier investment hub within Nigeria's manufacturing sector, showcasing its potential to attract global investors and support the country's industrialisation agenda. The event featured a presentation by Lagos Free Zone MD&CEO, Adesuwa Ladoja, and a dynamic panel discussion exploring Nigeria's industrial landscape and how LFZ can support UK businesses keen on exploring pathways for sustainable growth in Nigeria. Karen Taylor, Chair of Invest Africa, commented: 'Invest Africa is proud to facilitate meaningful engagement between Nigerian leaders and the UK business community. The Minister's participation in our events underscores Nigeria's strategic importance as a trade and investment partner. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that drive economic collaboration and unlock new business opportunities.' Adesuwa Ladoja, MD&CEO of Lagos Free Zone, remarked: 'The Lagos Free Zone represents a game-changer for Nigeria's manufacturing and industrial sectors, offering world-class infrastructure and seamless business operations. This event provided a crucial platform to showcase how strategic investments in LFZ can unlock deeper penetration into the Nigerian market for UK businesses and drive Nigeria's industrialisation. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to welcoming global investors.' Dr. Oduwole's engagements in London aligned with Nigeria's four key strategic pillars: investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, economic diversification, and strategic communications. Through these discussions, the Minister reinforced Nigeria's proactive approach to fostering international trade relations, unlocking new business opportunities, and strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UK. As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable economic transformation, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment remains committed to advancing strategic partnerships and positioning Nigeria as a top-tier investment destination on the global stage. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa. About Invest Africa: Invest Africa is a leading business and investment platform with over sixty years of expertise in Africa, dedicated to connecting businesses with unique opportunities across the continent. Their global network comprises more than 400 member companies, including multinationals, private equity firms, institutional investors, development finance institutions, professional service providers, government bodies, and entrepreneurs. With chapters in Kenya, South Africa, the UAE, the UK, and the US, Invest Africa leverages their global reach, market intelligence, and extensive network to support and connect businesses. As a trusted gateway into Africa, they drive socio-economic growth by facilitating sustainable capital flows and providing strategic insights through our membership, consultancy services, and dynamic events programme.


Bloomberg
27-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Minister Oduwole on Nigeria FDI Reforms, Trade
Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment speaks with Bloomberg TV's Joumanna Bercetche on the sidelines of the Investopia conference in Abu Dhabi. Minister Oduwole gave her outlook on intra-Africa trade developments and the advantage of using local currencies with regional commerce partners. (Source: Bloomberg)


Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tax reform bills will boost Nigeria's economy — FG
Experts in law and finance, including top government officials, have emphasized the crucial role of law in promoting economic prosperity for Nigeria. The federal government has reiterated that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly are expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy. This discussion took place during the 15th anniversary lecture for T & A Legal, held in Lagos on Saturday. In her keynote address, titled 'Driving the Future Economy in Nigeria: The Catalytic Role of Law,' the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, expressed her pride in the milestone achievement of the firm, highlighting that it reflects the power of vision. Oduwole stated that the federal government would continue to foster an enabling environment and implement laws that support both investment retention and promotion, ultimately driving prosperity for the people. She cited the tax reform bills currently with the National Assembly, noting that their passage would significantly benefit the economy. 'We believe very strongly that unless you support businesses operating in Nigeria, of which this firm is one, we really wouldn't get more investment necessary to catalyse our economy,' she added. She explained that the FG would leverage trade policy to drive more investments into the country. She said FG is determined to operationalise AFCFTA in a way that it would help Nigeria trade across Africa and the rest of the world. Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zachaeus Adedeji, stated that law serves not just as a regulatory mechanism but as a tool for enabling innovation, fostering inclusion, and unlocking the nation's vast resource. Adedeji stated that efficient, fair, and transparent tax laws not only empower governments to provide essential infrastructure, education, and healthcare but also foster compliance and build a sense of shared responsibility. Emphasising that the tax reform bills represent more than just fiscal policy changes, he noted that implementation of the reform underscores a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the creation of a tax system that works for all Nigerians. The Co-Founding Partner, T & A Legal, Seyi Adisa, described the 15 years milestone achievement of the firm as a celebration of vision and commitment of the founders, which have contributed to its current status. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (