By Ayomide Otitoju
The 2025 edition of the Science of Trade Conference concluded after three days of high-level discussions and transformative engagements aimed at unlocking Africa’s trade potential, with a focus on certification, innovation, market access, and women’s empowerment.
Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos and spearheaded by Dr. Inya Lawal, Founder of the Ascend Studios Foundation, the event convened key stakeholders across government, the private sector, civil society, and the African diaspora under the theme “Access to Market.”
The conference opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the 7th anniversary of NICERT, Nigeria’s national certification body. Annabel Kamuche, Group Managing Director of NICERT, stressed the strategic role certification plays in boosting Africa’s competitiveness in global markets. “Our accreditation is a bridge—connecting small businesses to the world,” Kamuche said. NICERT also awarded three free HACCP certifications and offered technical guidance throughout the event.
Day two featured a keynote by Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council, who called for deeper private-sector collaboration to widen trade opportunities. This was followed by a message from JoEllen Gorg, Acting U.S. Consul General in Lagos, reaffirming the United States’ support for African SMEs under the theme “Strengthening U.S.–Africa Trade Ties.”
A major highlight was the launch of the Nexus of Nature Hub, championed by Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Bisola Olusanya. She underscored the urgency of urban-centered, climate-smart agriculture. “Nature-based solutions and regenerative farming are no longer a luxury but a necessity,” she stated, praising hub founder Olusola Sowemimo for promoting sustainable agri-innovation.
Speaking on the public-private synergy panel, Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, called for unlocking capital for small-scale farmers. “Africa cannot scale trade without empowering the base of its production pyramid,” he said, pointing to persistent infrastructure and financing challenges.
Grassroots voices also resonated. Alhaja Adiat Apena, Iyaloja General of Ikeja, made a strong case for women’s inclusion in trade. “Market is money, and money is market,” she declared. “If we don’t open access to women, we’re shutting out half of Nigeria’s economy.”
Innovation in food and consumer goods also took center stage. Victoria Ajayi, founder of Chow Noodle Bar, unveiled the Ultimate Sauce, a fast-food condiment fusing traditional African flavors with convenience. “We created the sauce to bring our roots into every modern kitchen,” she said.
Actress and entrepreneur Ade Laoye also launched Oyin Ade, a premium honey brand rooted in sustainability and African heritage. “This is more than honey—it’s a celebration of our culture and nature’s finest,” she said, positioning the brand as a premium wellness export.
Tech innovation received a boost through the inaugural Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon hosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, a senior trade policy expert, urged participants to “think locally, build globally.” Team Export PLUG won the top ₦20 million prize, while Team GET AI took second place with ₦10 million and the NITDA E-Commerce Sandbox Innovation Prize. Amazon Web Services also awarded a special prize to the top team.
Tech startup Kryptr, led by CEO Emmanuel Tarfa, hosted two sold-out business masterclasses and a pitch session, awarding ₦250,000 each to eight emerging businesses, including SundryAgro Ltd, Mom and Me Whole Foods, Londya Foods and Farms Ltd, and Oyine Special Enterprise Ltd, among others.
The conference closed with FashionEVO, a platform spotlighting fashion entrepreneurs in partnership with Olorisupergal and Made in Africa. The session celebrated Africa’s creative economy and its role in global trade conversations.
The Science of Trade Conference 2025 positioned itself not just as a networking platform but as a catalyst for scalable African solutions in certification, sustainability, digital trade, and women-led enterprise.
