Amb. Angonimi Imeh-David Calls for Africa to Overcome Trade Barriers
Abuja, Nigeria – August 19, 2025 – The Focus Africa Business Roundtable, held at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, convened policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States, spotlighting Africa’s urgent need for market integration, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
At the center of the high-profile event, Ambassador Angonimi Imeh-David, in her capacity as Managing Director of Focus Africa Magazine, delivered a defining statement as part of her editorial note that captured the essence of the Forum’s vision.
“At the heart of this Roundtable is a simple but profound question: How can we, as Africans, break down the obstacles that limit trade, investment, and innovation within our own continent?”
Her remarks emphasized that Africa’s growth potential remains untapped due to regulatory bottlenecks, infrastructural gaps, and fragmented policies. She urged leaders to rethink approaches, foster cross-border collaboration, and build systems that enable entrepreneurship to thrive. Observers described her intervention as a continental rallying call, sparking discussions on partnerships and business models that could shape the future of Africa’s markets.
Africa’s Stories: The Focus Africa Narrative
Ambassador Imeh-David further highlighted the narrative dimension of the Focus Africa Series, explaining that the platform is more than a business forum—it is a medium to tell Africa’s stories to the world.
“Focus Africa is about the narrative of Africa’s stories. We are building a platform where the story of Africa can be showcased and exploited to the world,” she said, emphasizing the importance of framing Africa as a continent of innovation, resilience, and opportunity.
Her statement underscored that telling Africa’s own story is central to driving investment, shaping policy, and attracting global partnerships, aligning perfectly with the Forum’s objective of fostering sustainable continental growth.
The Roundtable featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Dr. Aisha Lemu, Alhaji Sani Garba, Lucky Joseph Edo, and Dr. Aisha Lami Abdulsalam, who provided insights on trade policy, women and youth empowerment, and strategies for scaling African businesses. The discussions consistently highlighted that Africa’s economic transformation lies in integration, value-chain development, and homegrown enterprise.
The success of the Roundtable was a testament to Ambassador Sucex Bright Ibeh, Convener of the Focus Africa Series, whose vision has established a pan-African platform bridging policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Participants praised his commitment to empowering women, supporting youth-led businesses, and driving policy dialogue that turns ideas into actionable strategies for Africa’s economic development.
Keynote contributions from H.E. Alayingi Sylva, former First Lady of Bayelsa and CEO of Blossom Foods Industries Ltd, reinforced the Forum’s theme, calling on entrepreneurs to embrace continental-made products and local value chains as a path toward global competitiveness and sustainable growth.
As the Roundtable concluded, Ambassador Imeh-David’s remarks were widely recognized as the defining message of the day, reminding participants that Africa’s development is a story to be told, led, and owned by Africans themselves. Meanwhile, Ambassador Sucex Bright Ibeh’s leadership was celebrated for sustaining a platform that not only convenes thought leaders but also amplifies Africa’s voice on the global stage.
The Focus Africa Business Roundtable thus reaffirmed its mission: to unlock Africa’s economic potential, empower women and youth, and showcase Africa’s narrative as a continent of opportunity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
