Abuja: The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and the Pan-African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI) have reached an agreement to fortify Africa’s manufacturing sector and bolster the competitiveness of small and medium industries (SMIs). This announcement was made by Mr. Henry Emejuo, the Director-General of PAOSMI, during a press event in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the ongoing Afreximbank Annual Meeting (AAM2025), which is centered around the theme ‘Trade-Driven Industrialisation for Africa’s Sustainable Development: A Pathway to Realising AfCFTA and the Africa We Want.’ Emejuo explained that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PAMA and PAOSMI sets up a collaborative framework aimed at advancing industrial policy, capacity building, intra-African trade, investment promotion, and enterprise support.
Emejuo emphasized this partnership as a critical move towards unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and empowering local industries to compete globally. He highlighted that the MoU facilitates coordinated efforts, resource sharing, and the design of programs benefiting both large-scale manufacturers and small industrial enterprises across the continent.
The alliance aims to provide SMIs with access to training, market intelligence, technical support, and regional value chains, which are crucial for inclusive industrialization in Africa. Key areas of collaboration include organizing strategic events like the Pan-African Industrial Convention and joint training programs, as well as hosting industrial clinics and supporting participation in continental trade expos such as the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
Emejuo outlined further commitments from both organizations to promote export readiness, develop joint fundraising strategies, and work with multilateral institutions and technical partners to mobilize resources for industrial development. The MoU stipulates the appointment of focal persons in both institutions, a joint annual work plan, and a confidentiality clause to protect shared information.
Although the agreement is not legally binding, it reflects a mutual commitment to impactful cooperation over an initial three-year period, with the possibility of renewal by mutual consent. Any disputes arising from the MoU will be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration under Nigerian law, with Lagos designated as the arbitration seat.
The event, which was co-organized by PAMA, the African Business Council (AfBC), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), is part of a continental trade mission supported by Afreximbank. The agreement was signed by Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Secretary-General of PAMA, and Mr. Emejuo representing PAOSMI.
