NIDO Africa to Host Made-in-Nigeria Products Exhibition in Dakar

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Africa has announced plans to stage a five-day exhibition and sales showcase of Made-in-Nigeria products in Dakar, Senegal, from February 23 to 27, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening regional trade and promoting Nigerian enterprise across Africa.

The event is designed to spotlight Nigeria’s growing capacity in value-added production while advancing the “Buy Nigerian” campaign beyond the country’s borders. It will bring together manufacturers, exporters, investors, and business leaders from across the continent.

Products on display will span key sectors including fashion, agro-processing, technology, creative industries, and light manufacturing. The programme will also include product demonstrations, structured business-to-business matchmaking sessions, and curated networking opportunities for African entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the initiative, NIDO Africa’s Continental Chairman, Professor Jude Osakwe, said the exhibition is intended to reposition Nigerian products as competitive, high-quality offerings within the African market. He noted that the event is as much about perception as it is about commerce.

According to Osakwe, the Dakar showcase is expected to open new trade corridors for Nigerian businesses, particularly within Francophone West Africa, while encouraging partnerships that support sustainable intra-African trade.

The exhibition is themed “Powering Africa’s Future: Made in Nigeria, Shared with the World,” reflecting NIDO Africa’s broader strategy of positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of processed and value-added goods rather than raw materials.

Organisers say the initiative aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers and deepen economic integration across the continent. Senegal’s status as a commercial gateway in West Africa is seen as a strategic advantage for Nigerian exporters seeking wider market access.

NIDO Africa’s Public Relations Officer, Ambassador Folaji Adura, said the timing of the exhibition is significant, as AfCFTA continues to create new expansion opportunities for African businesses looking beyond domestic markets.

Ahead of the event, participating Nigerian exporters are undergoing training on export compliance, packaging standards, and cross-cultural marketing to ensure they meet international expectations. Beyond its commercial focus, the exhibition is also expected to strengthen diaspora engagement, with strong participation anticipated from Nigerians living in Senegal and neighbouring countries.