Abayomi Susan
Zenith Bank Plc is set to host the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, bringing together policymakers, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other key stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The virtual seminar, themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export,” will focus on practical strategies for moving Nigeria beyond the export of raw commodities towards the development of globally competitive value chains, expanded market access and stronger trade infrastructure and financing.
The discussions are expected to examine how Nigeria can maximise the potential of its non-oil sector and increase its contribution to sustainable economic growth.
The high-level event will feature prominent voices from the trade and economic development sector, including 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 the immediate past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.
The seminar will also feature two panel discussions bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
The public-sector panel will include the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Abba Bello; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Director of the Trade and Exchange Department of the 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 industry leaders including the 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, Chinwe Ezenwa.
Discussions will focus on key issues affecting Nigeria’s export competitiveness, including trade facilitation, export financing, customs and port efficiency, regulatory processes and access to international markets.
A major area of discussion will be the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential to create greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent. Participants are expected to examine ways businesses can take advantage of regional integration, develop competitive value chains and expand their presence in African markets.
Zenith Bank has over the years positioned its International Trade Seminar as a platform for dialogue on Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem. The annual event brings together government officials, regulators, businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders to examine challenges confronting international trade and identify practical solutions.
The 10th edition is expected to build on that platform by focusing on how Nigeria can transform its abundant productive resources into higher-value exports and achieve stronger participation in regional and global commerce.
The bank has also partnered with the AfCFTA Secretariat on initiatives aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and expanding access to opportunities across Africa.
The 2026 seminar will be held virtually, allowing participants in Nigeria and other parts of the world to follow the discussions through various digital platforms.
With Nigeria seeking to diversify its economy and strengthen foreign exchange earnings, stakeholders are expected to use the seminar to identify practical measures for increasing the volume and value of non-oil exports while improving the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in international markets.
