The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) has stated that the 2026 Edo State Trade Fair will serve as a platform to connect local farmers and producers with international markets.
The Director of the 2026 Trade Fair, Dr. Jonathan Oboite, made this known in Benin during the pre-launch dinner held over the weekend ahead of the event scheduled for November and December 2026.
Oboite, who also serves as the Second Deputy President of BENCCIMA, explained that the initiative is designed to close the gap between local production and access to global markets.
He added that while trade fairs have been held in Edo for years, the success of the upcoming edition will depend largely on collaboration among stakeholders.
He said: “Lacuna that exists between raw materials and finished products, and exporting products from our farmers has existed for so long. So, the Chamber has decided to step up and take that responsibility to ensure that products from local farmers and producers get abroad if necessary. We want to help them. We want to educate them, give them orientation, and make life better for everyone. An economically safe society is a better society.”
In his welcome address, the President of BENCCIMA, Omoregie Godwin, highlighted the broader objectives of the trade fair, noting that it would drive market expansion, attract investment, promote product innovation and technology transfer, and support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“The Edo State Trade Fair 2026 will showcase indigenous industries and local content, promote agro-processing, solid minerals, light manufacturing, and digital innovation, provide SMEs with visibility and structured business exposure, facilitate Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) engagements, attract investors into priority sectors, stimulate tourism and hospitality activities, generate direct and indirect employment.”
