• Top policymakers, exporters, investors, regulators to explore strategies for unlocking $ value in Nigeria’s non-oil sector
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 leading policymakers, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other key stakeholders to chart practical pathways for expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports and strengthening the country’s position in global trade.
The virtual seminar, themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export,” will focus on strategies for moving Nigeria beyond the export of raw commodities towards the development of globally competitive value chains, expanded market access, improved trade infrastructure and stronger export financing.
Among the distinguished speakers expected at the high-level event are the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene; Chief Executive Officer of Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited, Mrs Patricia Poku-Diaby; and 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 high-powered panel sessions involving key players from the public and private sectors.
The public-sector panel will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abba Bello; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi; Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ms Aderinola Shonekan; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Aisha Rimi; and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni.
The private-sector panel will feature the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, Alhaji Adeniji Adeyemi; Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki; Senior Consultant at 3T Impex Trade Centre, Mr Bamidele Ayemibo; Managing Director of Terra Aqua Environmental Consultancy Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Mobolaji Salako; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RMM Global, Mr Ramzi Taher; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa.
Discussions will centre on critical issues including trade facilitation, export financing, customs and port efficiency, regulation, market access and the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in regional and international markets.
A major focus will be the AfCFTA and its potential to unlock a vast continental market for Nigerian goods and services. With the agreement creating access to a market of more than one billion people, participants will examine how Nigerian businesses can take advantage of regional integration, develop competitive value chains and capture emerging opportunities across Africa.
Zenith Bank has consistently championed conversations around trade, investment and economic development while supporting businesses seeking to expand their participation in regional and international commerce. The Bank has also partnered with the AfCFTA Secretariat on initiatives aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and widening access to opportunities across the continent.
Now in its 10th edition, the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar has grown into a major platform for dialogue on Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem. Over the years, it has brought together government officials, regulators, businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders to examine emerging trends, identify challenges and develop practical solutions for strengthening Nigeria’s role in global commerce.
The 2026 edition is expected to build on this legacy by bringing together some of the most influential voices shaping Nigeria’s trade, investment and economic landscape around a central question: How can Nigeria unlock greater value from its non-oil exports and transform its productive potential into sustainable economic growth?
The seminar will be held virtually and streamed live across Zoom, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok, allowing participants in Nigeria and around the world to join the conversation.
Interested participants can register at www.zenithbank.com/exportsem.