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By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi / Abdullahi Jafar
The Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, has emphasized the importance of promoting Made-in-Nigeria products and services on the global stage to showcase their quality and uniqueness.
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Speaking recently, at the African Made Products and Services Expo (AMPEX), organized by Made in Africa Brands Ambassador (MABA) in collaboration with RMRDC Lagos Coordination Office, the DG, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr. Oluwasola Marinho underscored the critical role of value addition in accelerating Africa’s trade and driving economic growth and sustainable development.
Speaking of the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Trade through Export of Value-Added Products and Services for Economic Growth and Development,’ Prof. Ike-Muonso underscored the Council’s commitment to economic transformation, highlighting how processing and innovation with raw materials could yield high-quality products capable of competing in global markets.
He emphasized that utilizing local raw materials and research coordination are essential to boosting industrial capacity, empowering the domestic economy, and reducing dependence on imports. He added that African businesses should embrace technological advancements, invest in research and development, foster innovation, and create regional value chains through collaboration.
During his keynote address, the Secretary General of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Barr. Segun Awolowo highlighted the importance of African trade in driving economic growth.
He observed that without deliberate efforts to promote local manufacturing, Nigeria and other African nations, risk becoming dumping grounds for foreign goods.
“AfCFTA presents a transformative opportunity to revolutionize intra-African trade. I want to use to medium to urge manufacturers to adapt to technological trends emerging from the fourth industrial revolution. AfCFTA will reshape Nigeria’s market, requiring businesses to modernize and leverage technology to thrive in a competitive environment,” he said.
Awolowo emphasized that this shift will redefine trade patterns across Africa, with long-term benefits for economic growth and trade integration.
In a goodwill message titled “Local Content Promotion for Economic Transformation,” Oba Dr. Michael Ajayi stressed the importance of self-reliance and the use of local resources to promote sustainability. Adding that, reducing import dependency through local content development would stimulate industrial growth, boost GDP, and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The monarch further said that developing local industries would empower African economies and improve livelihoods, however, he also pointed out that challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited skilled manpower need to be addressed. He, however, urged the government to invest in infrastructure, training programs, and a supportive business environment to enable businesses to thrive.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that while the promotion of local industries and building of regional value chains is essential for economic transformation, collaboration among businesses, governments, and research institutions are crucial drivers for improving productivity and competitiveness in African markets.
The expo highlighted that local content promotion, combined with technological adaptation and regional cooperation, will play a vital role in Africa’s economic transformation.
The event also featured discussions on international trade policies, the Pan-African Payment System (PAPS), and strategies to strengthen Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
