Showcasing Africa’s potential as a global leader in innovation, sustainable production, and inclusive economic growth, the 2025 Science of Trade Conference (SOTC) has activated trade in all its forms and categories as an engine to the economic stability of not only Nigeria but the Africa continent.

   With the theme “Access to Market”, the three-day event, which was held recently at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, brought together government officials, trade experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and change makers from across Africa and the diaspora.

   Speaking, Organiser of SOTC, Dr. Inya Lawal, who is also the Founder of Ascend Studios Foundation, said, “trade is the engine, but the people are the power. What we’ve built here is a new trade ecosystem that puts Africans at the centre of their economic destinies. The Science of Trade Conference 2025 not only highlighted the importance of trade but also activated it, demonstrating that with certification, creativity, collaboration, and courage, Africa’s entrepreneurs can lead global conversations on their terms.”

   The conference officially commenced with the celebration of the 7th anniversary of NICERT, Nigeria’s certification body where the Group Managing Director of NICERT, Annabel Kamuche, emphasised the importance of certification for African products in the global market. She said: “We started NICERT because we believed African products could compete globally if they met the right standards. Today, our accreditation is a bridge – connecting small businesses to the world.”

The session featured a fireside chat with Adenike Ogunlesi of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, who shared her inspiring journey in the industry, Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi, Kola Kuddus, among others. The discussions included a provocative debate on the effectiveness of “Dancing Reels” in marketing, with judges awarding the FashionEVO grand prize of ₦500,000 to the Legs Apparel Fashion School team for their compelling arguments.

    Adding to the conference’s focus on women’s empowerment, Head of SheVentures, Mrs. Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, who is one of the conference sponsors, stated, “supporting women entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for economic growth. At SheVentures, we believe that empowering women in trade will unlock immense potential for innovation and job creation across Africa. The Science of Trade Conference provides an essential platform for these voices to be heard and celebrated.”

   A standout feature of the conference was the inaugural Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon, launched by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Senior International Trade Policy Expert, Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, encouraged participants to think locally and build globally. “What Africa needs for Africa is already in Africa. We must simply unlock it through strategy, partnerships, and belief.” After three days of intense collaboration and mentorship, the team Export PLUG emerged victorious, winning ₦20m; Runner-Up Team GET AI won ₦10m E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox Innovation Prize (courtesy of NITDA), while the most innovative team received an additional ₦10m. Amazon Web Services also presented a special prize to the winning team.

   SOTC 2025 also featured the launch and official opening of the Nexus of Nature Hub, where the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Bisola Olusanya, praised the founder, Olusola Sowemimo for fusing innovation with sustainability and reiterated the government’s support for private sector partnerships that empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth in agribusiness.

   The CEO of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, also delivered a keynote address on the importance of strategic partnerships and private-sector collaboration in expanding market access.

    The Acting U.S. Consul General in Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, spoke on “Strengthening U.S.–Africa Trade Ties,” reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting African small and medium enterprises.

   The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, during the Public-Private Synergy session spoke on the need to unlock capital for Africa’s small-scale farmers and producers, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of African economies, yet financing gaps and infrastructure deficits continue to hinder value-chain development. He said: “The continent cannot scale trade without first empowering the base of its production pyramid.”