Nigeria's $5.5B Non-Oil Export Wave

Nigeria's non-oil export sector hit $5.4 billion in revenue last year, signaling a transformative shift in the country's economic landscape. This expanding market presents unprecedented opportunities for strategic investors, particularly as government-backed initiatives accelerate growth across manufacturing, digitization, and innovation sectors.

In my work guiding entrepreneurs through Nigerian market entry, I've witnessed firsthand how policy reforms are creating tangible results. Recently, a client leveraged the new expedited licensing process to launch their manufacturing operation in just 60 days - a process that previously took 6+ months.

In this edition, we explore IFC's landmark $50 million investment in Lagos Free Zone and analyze how Nigeria's expanding refining capacity is positioning the country as West Africa's emerging energy hub. Plus, discover a rare opportunity in the high-growth retail fuel sector with a turnkey DPR-approved station in prime Lagos location.

Dele Omotosho

Founder & MD @ Counseal

Husband & father of 2

Avid talking drummer

This Week's Notable Opportunity

A deep dive into a promising market trend or business opportunity

Strategic Investment Opportunity: Tap into Nigeria's $5.5B+ Non-Oil Export Growth Market

A rare opportunity to participate in Nigeria's rapidly expanding non-oil export sector, which generated over $5.4 billion in 2024. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is actively implementing reforms and policies to accelerate growth across manufacturing, digitization, creative arts and innovation - creating massive potential for forward-thinking investors.

Key Investment Highlights:

Government-backed initiatives to boost non-oil exports and facilitate international trade
Strategic collaboration between Ministry of Finance and Central Bank to strengthen implementation
Focus on creating wealth through private sector productivity and competitiveness
Empirically-verified policies driving measurable business growth

Growth Drivers & Market Position:

Direct access to domestic, regional and global market opportunities
Government commitment to making business operations progressively easier
Independent verification of performance metrics by Central Delivery Unit
Strategic focus on industrial transformation and export trade

Investment Potential:

This opportunity provides early-mover advantage in a government-prioritized growth sector. With targeted reforms, public-private collaboration, and focus on sustainable expansion, the potential for strong returns is significant.

Virtual tours available upon request. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the investment process.

Learn more about this unique opportunity: Schedule a Strategy Call

Market Movements

📈 Industry Insights

Key sector updates and opportunities

US-China Trade War Could Make Africa Manufacturing's Next Big Win

While the US and China duke it out with tariffs, Africa's manufacturing sector is positioning itself as the surprise beneficiary. The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) projects a 4% growth in 2025, with foreign investors eyeing everything from automobiles to textiles.

Here's the deal: The US has slapped a fresh 10% tariff on Chinese imports (on top of existing duties), and China's hitting back with 15% charges on US coal and 10% on vehicles. This trade tango is pushing global manufacturers to seriously consider Africa as their next production hub.

But here's why it matters: Africa isn't just a Plan B. The continent is actively strengthening its game through the Africa Continental Free Trade Act (AfCFTA) and digital manufacturing investments. Smart players are already noticing that while the West battles it out, Africa's offering improved economic conditions, regional market integration, and a growing embrace of automation. Companies that move early could capture significant market share as this shift accelerates.

🤝 Deal Flow

Notable investments and partnerships

IFC Injects $50M Into Lagos Free Zone, Betting Big on Nigeria's Industrial Revolution

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is doubling down on Nigeria's industrial future with a strategic $50 million equity investment in Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZ). This landmark deal aims to transform 860 hectares into a world-class industrial hub, integrated with Nigeria's first deep-sea port in Lekki.

The investment comes at a critical time for Africa's largest economy, which is projected to grow 3.7% by 2026. When fully operational, LFZ is set to create 30,000 jobs and significantly boost Nigeria's GDP. What makes this deal particularly noteworthy is its green component - 15% of funding is earmarked for climate-resilient infrastructure and EDGE-certified buildings, signaling a shift toward sustainable industrialization.

Market implications are substantial: This deal represents a major vote of confidence in Nigeria's economic reforms and could catalyze further foreign investment in the country's industrial sector. The integration with Lekki Deep Sea Port positions Nigeria to become a more competitive player in global trade networks, while the focus on green infrastructure aligns with global ESG investment trends. For investors, this development suggests emerging opportunities in Nigeria's industrial real estate, logistics, and sustainable infrastructure sectors.

📊 Market Intelligence

Economic indicators and market trends

Nigeria's Refining Revolution: 10 Local Plants Now Position Country as West Africa's Emerging Energy Hub

Nigeria is strategically transforming into West Africa's refining hub, with 9 operational refineries and new licenses being issued - including a fresh 10,000 barrel/day facility in Delta State. This shift positions Nigeria to become a major refined petroleum products exporter, potentially rivaling established global refining centers.

However, significant supply-side challenges threaten this momentum. Despite NMDPRA's efforts to encourage local refining through reduced licensing fees, existing refineries report persistent difficulties accessing crude oil supplies. The government's promised Naira-for-crude initiative has also stalled, creating uncertainties for operators.

For businesses: The expanding refining capacity signals potential stabilization of local fuel prices and forex demand in the medium term. However, investors and stakeholders should closely monitor crude supply dynamics and policy consistency around local refining initiatives. The sector presents opportunities in refinery services, logistics, and downstream distribution networks as Nigeria's position as a regional refining center solidifies.

💼 Featured Business

Featured business acquisition opportunity

Strategic Filling Station Investment - DPR-Approved 5-Pump Station in Prime Lagos Location

Seize a rare opportunity to own a fully operational, DPR-approved filling station strategically positioned along the bustling Ikotun/Ijegun Road corridor in Lagos. This turnkey business features 5 modern pumps and 5 storage tanks, positioned to serve one of Lagos's fastest-growing communities.

Asking Price: ₦600,000,000 ($480,000)

Location: Ikotun, Lagos, Nigeria

Key Business Highlights

Full DPR approval and compliance with all regulatory requirements
Modern infrastructure with 5 dispensing pumps and 5 storage tanks
Prime location on major commercial route with high traffic volume
Established customer base in rapidly developing area

Growth Potential

Located in Ikotun's expanding commercial district, this station is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the area's rapid development. The presence of major institutions like Crestview International Schools and growing residential developments ensures steady demand growth.

Market Position & ROI Potential

With its strategic location and full regulatory compliance, this station offers immediate revenue generation potential. The robust infrastructure and growing market demand provide an excellent foundation for strong returns on investment.

Virtual tours available for international investors, with local representatives ready to conduct in-person inspections. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the evaluation, purchase, and transition process.

For detailed information and investment analysis, contact us: Click to inquire via WhatsApp

Success Stories

Real experiences from our diaspora entrepreneur community

How Moniepoint Built a $1B+ Fintech Giant by Solving Real SME Pain Points

What started as a mission to serve Nigeria's underbanked SMEs has transformed into a fintech powerhouse processing over $22 billion in monthly transactions. Moniepoint's growth story offers a masterclass in building category-defining companies by obsessing over customer problems.

Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint identified a critical gap: Nigeria's vast network of small businesses needed more than just payments - they needed a complete financial operating system. By bundling digital payments, bank accounts, credit and business management tools into one platform, Moniepoint made it radically simple for SMEs to digitize their operations. The results speak volumes - 150% compound annual revenue growth and a fresh investment from Visa cementing their unicorn status.

The key lesson? Start with an underserved market's most pressing pain points, build trust through reliable solutions, then systematically expand services based on customer needs. As Eniolorunda notes, with 83% of African employment in the informal economy, the opportunity to drive financial inclusion while building a valuable business remains massive. For entrepreneurs, Moniepoint's playbook shows how solving fundamental problems for a large enough market can unlock exponential growth.

Expert Corner

Insights from industry leaders and market specialists

Nigeria Payment Leaders: Mobile Money and AfCFTA Will Transform Cross-Border Transactions

Cross-border payments in Nigeria are being reshaped by three key forces: the 'Japa' emigration trend driving remittances, mobile money adoption expanding financial access, and AfCFTA creating new trade opportunities, according to Kora CEO Dickson Nsofor and Moniepoint SVP Solomon Amadi.

While blockchain adoption remains nascent due to regulatory uncertainty, mobile money platforms are already transforming financial inclusion across Africa. Nigeria's regulated approach prevents over-reliance on telco platforms like Kenya's M-PESA while fostering fintech competition. The AfCFTA agreement promises to accelerate this evolution by enabling direct currency exchanges between African nations and reducing USD dependency.

For businesses eyeing Nigeria's payments landscape, the experts recommend: 1) Exploring API-driven platforms that offer cost-efficient cross-border solutions, 2) Preparing for increased mobile money integration while navigating regulatory frameworks, and 3) Positioning for AfCFTA opportunities through local currency trade capabilities. Success will depend on balancing innovation with compliance as the market matures.

Weekly Wisdom

Actionable insights for diaspora entrepreneurs

Own a rapidly-growing blockchain technology company that's revolutionizing trust in online commerce across Nigeria. This innovative social marketplace has facilitated over 4,000 secure transactions through its proprietary platform combining escrow payments, dispute resolution, and multi-currency capabilities.

Asking Price: ₦450,000,000 ($500,000)

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Key Business Highlights:

7,500+ active users and growing 50% month-over-month
17,000+ product listings with 1,700+ new monthly additions
32% increase in repeat transactions showing strong user satisfaction
Proven revenue model through transaction fees and premium advertising
Protected by blockchain technology and smart contracts

Growth & Success Factors:

Established presence in major Nigerian university markets
Successfully expanded into international markets (Turkey)
Planned expansion into UK and Canadian markets by Q3 2025
Strong organic growth through student ambassador program

Market Position:

Unique competitive advantage combining social commerce, blockchain-secured escrow, and cross-border capabilities. First-mover in addressing the critical trust gap in online transactions across Nigeria's growing digital marketplace.

ROI Potential:

With 50% monthly user growth and expanding transaction volumes, this platform is positioned for significant value appreciation. Revenue streams from both transaction fees and premium advertising provide multiple growth avenues.

Virtual tours available for international investors. Full-service support provided for business evaluation, purchase process, and ongoing management.

Click here to inquire via WhatsApp