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By Tracy Moses
The Continental Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Africa and globally renowned ICT expert, Professor Jude Osakwe, has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at leveraging Nigeria’s competitive advantages to drive economic transformation across the African continent.
At the heart of this strategy is NIDO Africa’s $3.4 trillion market expansion vision, which was announced alongside plans for the organization’s second interactive seminar focused on promoting Made-in-Nigeria exports. The seminar is scheduled to take place on July 22, 2025, at the De Rembrandt Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
This significant development was disclosed in a press briefing jointly issued by Professor Osakwe and NIDO Africa’s Public Relations Officer, Ambassador Folaji Emmanuel Adura on Monday. The statement, made available to journalists in Asaba, Delta State, outlines a bold roadmap for positioning Nigerian entrepreneurs at the forefront of Africa’s economic renaissance.
Professor Osakwe emphasized the strategic imperative of harnessing Africa’s emerging single market, projected to reach a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. He noted that Nigerian businesses are uniquely poised to take the lead in this continental transformation, citing their innovation, product quality, and capacity for scale.
Reflecting on the success of NIDO Africa’s maiden seminar, Osakwe stated that the inaugural event far exceeded expectations, drawing participation from key sectors including agriculture, fashion, beauty, manufacturing, and investment. The overwhelming enthusiasm and participation, he said, confirmed that Nigerian businesses are ready to play a central role in shaping Africa’s future economy.
He underscored that the upcoming seminar is not just another business event, but part of a comprehensive infrastructure rollout designed to facilitate Nigerian business expansion across Africa. This includes the establishment of pre-arranged marketing outlets in strategic African countries, trusted distribution partnerships, and access to vetted buyer networks.
According to the NIDO Africa Chairman, the seminar will also provide step-by-step export guidance tailored to the specific regulatory landscapes of target markets. He noted that many high-quality Nigerian products often fail to reach international markets due to the lack of clear and structured pathways. The seminar, he said, is designed to address that challenge head-on by offering practical solutions and strategic support.
The initiative will focus on sectors where Nigeria holds a competitive advantage, such as agriculture, fashion, beauty, manufacturing, and technology, providing businesses in these areas with the tools and connections needed to scale beyond local boundaries.
One of the key highlights of the event will be a live product exhibition, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their goods and services directly to buyers, distributors, and potential investment partners. Osakwe described this component as an opportunity for real-time deal-making and strategic networking that goes far beyond conventional conferences.
Recognizing that complex regulatory frameworks can be a major deterrent for exporters, the seminar will also feature sessions led by experts who will break down customs processes, compliance requirements, and region-specific trade laws. Rather than allowing businesses to learn through costly mistakes, the program will offer a blueprint for efficient, compliant, and sustainable market entry.
Professor Osakwe tied the initiative to the broader trend of continental integration, noting that projections show intra-African trade could grow by as much as 52% by 2030 under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With its strong agricultural base, growing manufacturing sector, and robust tech ecosystem, Nigeria, he said, is naturally positioned to lead this new era of regional commerce.
The July 22 seminar will be held at the Banquet Hall of De Rembrandt Hotel, conveniently located near Ikeja City Mall on Obafemi Awolowo Way. The full-day event is designed to deliver both strategic insight and hands-on export tools. Given the focused nature of the sessions and the need for quality engagement, participation will be limited to ensure meaningful interaction between entrepreneurs and NIDO Africa’s expansion specialists.
“This seminar is more than a conference, it’s a launchpad for Nigerian businesses to stake their claim in Africa’s next economic chapter,” Osakwe affirmed. “We’re not just talking potential. We’re unlocking it.”
He urged interested business leaders to register early, stressing that this moment represents a critical turning point for Nigerian enterprises prepared to scale their success across Africa.