At the recently concluded Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) held on September 6, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria, Benue State captured international interest by unveiling an ambitious blueprint aimed at boosting exports, accelerating industrial growth, and attracting investments.
Speaking on behalf of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Special Adviser on International and Global Partnership, Zaki Asen, outlined the state’s strategic vision for sustainable development, focusing on its rich agricultural heritage, abundant mineral wealth, and burgeoning industrial sector.
Zaki emphasized Benue’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier “Food Basket,” highlighting its status as the nation’s top producer of soybeans, complemented by significant yields of yams, citrus fruits, mangoes, tomatoes, oil palm, and peppers. He detailed the government’s proactive approach to positioning these commodities for export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), prioritizing adherence to international quality standards and certification processes.
To facilitate this export drive, Governor Alia is spearheading the creation of an Export Facilitation Desk in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This initiative aims to ensure that Benue’s products comply with global market requirements, thereby expanding access to both African and worldwide trade networks.
Further, Zaki highlighted Governor Alia’s commitment to elevating Benue’s profile as a prime investment destination. He pointed to the recent inauguration of the Benue International Investment and Economic Summit alongside the establishment of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA). These platforms are designed to streamline investor engagement by offering comprehensive support services, including tax incentives, land acquisition assistance, and regulatory facilitation.
“The Investment and Economic Summit serves as a gateway for international stakeholders to explore Benue’s immense potential,” Zaki remarked. “We are extending an open invitation to global partners to collaborate in forging a resilient and prosperous economy for our citizens.”
On the topic of regional integration, Zaki revealed plans to enhance trade linkages and synchronize policies with neighboring states such as Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and Cross River. This regional cooperation will focus on developing shared processing centers and logistics hubs to alleviate supply chain constraints and improve competitiveness.
Regarding mineral resources, he described Benue’s deposits of gold, lithium, limestone, coal, barite, gemstones, and salt as untapped treasures. The government is promoting responsible mining practices and value-added processing to maximize these assets. Additionally, the development of agro-industrial parks and clusters is underway to generate employment, increase value addition, and diversify the state’s revenue streams.
“AfCFTA presents transformative opportunities, and Benue is poised to capitalize on them. Our economy will be anchored on agriculture, mineral exploitation, and industrialization, creating a robust, inclusive, and globally competitive state,” Zaki affirmed.
At the fifth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) conference held concurrently with the fair, Zaki reassured investors of Governor Alia’s dedication to fostering a secure, lucrative, and sustainable business climate. He emphasized the administration’s resolve to shift Benue’s narrative from one of adversity to one of opportunity and resilience.
The IATF 2025, organized by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, attracted over 1,600 exhibitors and more than 35,000 attendees, solidifying its status as Africa’s premier platform for trade and investment promotion.
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