RestLogic Nigeria, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) and the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine, on Friday, announced the maiden National Free Trade Fair aimed at empowering 1,000 youth and women-owned businesses with greater visibility.

The fair is scheduled to be held from October 14?16, 2025, at the Exhibition Pavilion beside the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Central Business District, Abuja.

In a statement, the Executive Director of RestLogic Nigeria and Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine, Amb. Jeremiah Agala, said the initiative seeks to address barriers hindering women and youth entrepreneurs, including limited access to markets, funding, and sustainable partnerships.

The three-day event, themed ?Empowering Women and Youths for Inclusive Economic Growth,? is designed to create visibility for 1,000 nano and small businesses owned by young people and women across Nigeria.

He noted that they are expecting over 20,000 participants and project deals worth more than N20 billion.

Agala said: ?Exhibitors will benefit from free exhibition booths, mentorship, training sessions, and opportunities to connect with local and international investors.

?Nigeria?s youths and industrious women remain key drivers of national development, but access to markets and finance continues to limit their growth. This fair will provide a dynamic platform to showcase innovation and unlock opportunities for economic inclusion.

?Exhibition booths for over 1,000 youths and women entrepreneurs is expected to cut across sectors such as agriculture, fashion, tech, beauty, handicrafts, and the creative economy. Master classes on agribusiness, business development, digital skills/creative economy, and real estate, will be facilitated by experts and relevant government agencies.?

He noted that the event with features an Investment Roundtable, where startups can pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as a Partnership Pavilion for NGOs, development agencies, and government ministries. Cultural and entertainment highlights such as youth performances, poetry, and a talent show are also planned.

Key stakeholders expected to participate include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Bank of Industry (BOI); SMEDAN; Federal Ministry of Youth Development; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology; AFCTA; NEXIM Bank; and several development partners.

He added, ?Workshops and empowerment sessions will run concurrently with exhibitions, focusing on financial literacy, branding, marketing, and export readiness.

?The closing day will also feature empowerment programs and recognition of outstanding participants. With an estimated budget of over a ?100 million, organizers are seeking strategic partners and sponsors to support the initiative.

?Sponsorship categories include Title, Platinum, Gold, and Start-Up sponsorship, each offering branding visibility, exhibition space, and access to curated networking opportunities.?

Agala emphasized that the fair is not only a trade exhibition but also a national empowerment drive. ?This maiden edition offers a unique opportunity to catalyze inclusive economic growth by empowering the two most dynamic segments of Nigeria?s population, the youths and women.? (The Guardian)

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