Zenith Exhibitions and MIE GROUPS are partnering to organize the inaugural edition of Connecting Trade Worldwide (CTW) Nigeria 2021, which will be co-located with the industry-leading Equipment and Manufacturing West Africa Exhibition (EMWA).
Both organizations have a huge portfolio in promoting trade and helping businesses connect. While Zenith Exhibitions is an experienced exhibition and trade event organizer run by a vibrant team in Nigeria, MIE GROUPS is the organizer of the successful CTW Portfolio in Africa and the Middle East and the Global Trade Week (GTW), a unique B2B virtual platform focusing on reconnecting the global supply chain.
The organizations announced this premier B2B hybrid event during a virtual press conference. The three-day event was held from Tuesday, April 27 to April 29, 2021, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
Driving the Industrial Sector Forward
Joseph Oru, Managing Director of Zenith Exhibitions, stated that the exhibition aims to attract investment, build bridges between local and international manufacturers, and provide real commercial business opportunities.
“As an organization, we shall continue to provide a platform to broaden the horizon and scope of trade opportunities for our exhibitors, partners, and visitors alike, to drive the Nigerian Industry forward.” — Joseph Oru
The 2021 Exhibition & Conference was held under the theme: “Growth and Advancement of the Industrial Sector to Unlock Nigeria’s Potential.”
Leveraging AfCFTA and Global Trade Relations
In line with the kickoff of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the organizers emphasized that Nigeria is opening its trading doors through proactive domestic and international initiatives.
Zahoor Ahmed, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships at MIE Groups, highlighted the deep 50-year relationship between Nigeria and China. He noted that the Nigerian government continues to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a strategic master plan connecting Asia with Africa and Europe.
Ahmed shared key economic statistics regarding Nigeria-China trade relations:
- Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest importer of Chinese goods and China’s largest project contracting market in Africa (including rail, road, and power station infrastructure).
- Bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately US$19.3 Billion in 2019.
- Nigeria exports about US$2 Billion to China annually, primarily in mineral oils, fuels, oil seeds, plastics, rubber, animal products, shipping vessels, and fruits.
Event Scale and Industry Support
The hybrid event hosted over 50 physical exhibitors, over 100 virtual manufacturers, and featured more than 2,000 products. It attracted over 3,000 physical and virtual attendees across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, electrical/electronics, energy, food and beverage, and facilities infrastructure.
Najeeb Abdussalam, CEO of Trust Synergy Infrastructure Limited and Director of Kano Urban Transport, noted that bringing stakeholders together helps participating countries align with and benefit from the African free trade agreement.
Boye Oyewumi, CEO of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), described the event as highly timely and critical to economic success.
Health and Safety
To ensure safe interactions during the global pandemic, the Zenith Exhibitions team launched a ‘safe4business’ manual featuring 10 mandatory rules for in-person attendance, fully complying with state government guidelines to flatten the curve.