RTM West Africa Summit returns to Lagos, targets consumer growth and market resilience

The Route to Market (RTM) West Africa Summit is set to return in June 2026, positioning itself as a leading platform for driving consumer-centric growth and strengthening market resilience across the region’s rapidly evolving fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Building on the success of its 2025 edition, the summit will bring together industry leaders, manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers in Lagos to address key challenges and unlock new growth opportunities within West Africa’s complex market landscape.

The 2025 edition, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, recorded strong participation, attracting over 1,000 attendees, more than 25 expert speakers, and over five exhibiting companies. The event delivered more than 21 hours of networking and connected stakeholders from over 200 companies serving an estimated 1.8 million retail outlets across the region.

Key sessions at the previous summit featured industry leaders from finance, FMCG, and technology sectors, who examined macroeconomic pressures, digital transformation, shifting consumer behaviour, and supply chain optimisation. Participants highlighted the increasing role of technology and data in improving last-mile access and enhancing distribution efficiency in fragmented markets.

Speaking on the impact of the summit, Managing Director of Excite Panacea, Godson Nkeokelonye, said the platform goes beyond discussions to drive real industry collaboration.

“The summit was not just about ideas; it was about action. We’re proud to see strong collaboration across brands, distributors, and enablers committed to shaping the future of consumer access in West Africa,” he said.

With West Africa’s population exceeding 400 million—one of the youngest globally—the region continues to offer significant growth potential. However, industry estimates indicate that between 80 and 90 per cent of FMCG sales still occur through informal channels, underscoring the urgent need for structured, technology-driven route-to-market strategies.

The 2026 edition will focus on the theme: “The Margin of Trust: Why Community is the New Currency in Fragmented Markets.” Discussions will centre on how businesses can build trust-led, community-driven distribution strategies, strengthen partnerships across the value chain, and unlock growth in increasingly complex markets.

Organisers say the summit is positioned as a platform for nurturing a new generation of “Continental Champions,” bringing together senior executives and key stakeholders to co-create resilient, scalable distribution models capable of thriving across borders.

They added that the event also offers strategic partners and sponsors an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, demonstrate value within the West African market, and position themselves at the forefront of emerging industry transformation.

Interested organisations can explore sponsorship, exhibition, and speaking opportunities via the official website: www.rtmwestafrica.com
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The Route to Market West Africa Summit is widely regarded as a premier industry platform focused on transforming distribution, retail execution, and consumer access by fostering collaboration and innovation across FMCG, technology, logistics, and retail sectors.