Having witnessed an increasing interest in warehousing, distribution and supply chain solutions across Nigeria and the larger West African market, international events organiser dmg events decided to launch the West Africa Warehousing & Logistics Expo, to be hosted next year in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 6 to 8.

Owing to its role in West African trade and its focus on expanding trade and infrastructure capabilities, Nigeria is a “natural choice” for a regional warehousing and logistics event, says dmg events senior VP Josine Heijmans.

As the most populous country in Africa, with a population of over 240-million people, it represents a significant consumer and industrial market. Nigeria is also a major signatory to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which creates further opportunities to expand continental trade.

“This growing emphasis on trade and regional connectivity reinforces the need for investment in the warehousing, logistics and supply chain infrastructure that support the movement of goods across markets,” she adds.

Additionally, as Nigeria is located on the Atlantic coast, the country is a “key entry point” for goods moving to West Africa, while Lagos – as Nigeria’s largest city and major financial and commercial centre – plays an established role in its trade and transportation networks.

These factors, coupled with continued investment in the transport, infrastructure and logistics sectors, which has been observed by dmg events, alongside Nigeria’s expansion of industrial and commercial activity, has increased demand for efficient warehousing and distribution capabilities, notes Heijmans.

“. . . these factors make Lagos a strong meeting point for the industries and solution providers that form a part of the wider logistics ecosystem. This is precisely where the West Africa Warehousing & Logistics Expo fits in,” she states.

The event has been designed to enable international suppliers to connect with buyers and professionals from Nigeria and across the West Africa region, consequently creating opportunities to explore the technologies, solutions and partnerships that can support regional requirements.

Building on Experience

Having seen an opportunity for a niche industry event – rather than approaching logistics as a broad category – dmg events aims to use the expo to showcase the technologies and solutions that support the day-to-day operation of modern warehouses and distribution networks, from automation and storage systems inventory management, identification, labelling and materials handling through to loading and distribution.

Additionally, the launch builds on the company’s experience in the sector, following the launch of the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, with dmg events capitalising on the opportunity to adopt this specialised event model in high-growth markets across the Middle East and Africa.

The organiser’s objective, Heijmans notes, is to create an environment where industry professionals can see relevant solutions while establishing strategic commercial relationships.

Moreover, the event has been designed around the practical business needs of visitors to identify technologies and partners that can support their operations, while providing exhibitors with the opportunity to understand the requirements of the Nigerian and the wider West African market.

“Networking and understanding the market is an important part of this event model. Bringing suppliers and industry professionals together allows for direct conversations around how warehousing and distribution are developing in response to changing business requirements,” Heijmans explains.

The organiser has also seen strong value in creating opportunities for knowledge-exchange through a curated content programme, giving the industry a platform to discuss key trends, challenges and developments across the sector.

As such, dmg events aims to enjoy the support of both sides of the market, while giving industry professionals a better understanding of the opportunities and requirements.

“West Africa represents an important growth opportunity for solutions providers as businesses across the region invest in their warehousing, distribution and supply chain capabilities. From our perspective as a trade event organiser, there is clear value in creating a dedicated space where international suppliers can meet businesses that are actively looking for technologies and solutions,” Heijmans concludes.