General News
Indonesia Trade Expo Records $10m Pre-Opening Deals, Attracts 101 West African Delegates
By Iyojo Ameh
Trade agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) valued at approximately $10 million have reportedly been secured ahead of the official opening of Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026, as the Southeast Asian country intensifies efforts to expand commercial ties with West Africa.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 14, during a reception for West African delegates in BSD City, Tangerang, Indonesia.
Suharto said 101 West African participants had arrived for the 2026 exhibition, with preliminary reports of agreements worth $10 million indicating growing interest in trade and investment opportunities between the two regions.
He described Indonesia as a welcoming destination for West African businesses, noting that strong relationships, trust and shared economic interests remained essential to building sustainable commercial partnerships.
The ambassador recalled that 109 West African participants attended the 2025 edition through arrangements facilitated by the Indonesian Embassy, generating business potential estimated at more than $24 million.
He encouraged the visiting delegates to engage Indonesian manufacturers, explore available products and establish partnerships that could promote long-term business growth.
Suharto also assured the participants that the Indonesian Embassy would support efforts to establish business connections and address challenges encountered during the exhibition.
Nigeria Ranks Among Top Buyers
Highlighting the performance of the previous edition, Suharto said TEI 2025 attracted 8,045 international buyers and 34,550 visitors from 131 countries, with reported transactions reaching $22.8 billion.
He noted that Nigeria ranked among the top five countries in international buyer attendance, underscoring the country’s growing interest in Indonesian products and commercial opportunities.
The 2026 edition was officially opened by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday, with organisers targeting transactions worth $17.5 billion.
More than 8,092 foreign buyers from 134 countries were reported to have participated in the exhibition.
The annual event connects Indonesian manufacturers with international buyers, distributors and investors, providing opportunities to explore export markets and establish commercial relationships.
Kano Woos Indonesian Manufacturers
Meanwhile, the President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), Usman Darma, has called on Indonesian businesses to invest in Kano State, describing the state as a strategic gateway to Nigeria and other African markets.
Darma led a 100-member business delegation to the exhibition. However, he disclosed that about 60 delegates were present at the reception, while others were expected to arrive subsequently.
He said the delegation was seeking to attract Indonesian companies to establish industries in Nigeria, particularly in Kano, to expand local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic activities.
According to him, Kano’s commercial base and access to markets across Nigeria and neighbouring African countries make it an attractive destination for foreign investors.
Darma disclosed that KACCIMA was promoting investment in 13 priority areas, including light manufacturing, agro-processing and pharmaceuticals.
He explained that increased investment in these sectors would boost domestic production, reduce dependence on imported goods and create opportunities for Nigerian-made products to reach international markets.
The chamber president also cited a recent Indonesian trade exhibition organised in Kano by the Indonesian Embassy, saying participating companies sold their product samples and attracted buyers.
He said the chamber’s participation in TEI 2026 was part of broader efforts to strengthen international business relations, attract foreign direct investment and accelerate industrial development in Kano.
The reported $10 million in preliminary agreements, alongside the participation of Nigerian and other West African businesses, highlights efforts to deepen trade relations between Indonesia and the region through investment, manufacturing and expanded market access.