KANI members visited all 40 Japanese companies at the Japan Pavilion of the Lagos International Trade Fair 2024, and held a networking event there on 1 November 2024. The Pavilion was organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Nigeria and Hidemi Consulting, with support from KANI and ex-ABE Initiative participants. Companies reported greater visibility and prospective partnerships.
Lagos International Trade Fair 2024 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
| Event | Lagos International Trade Fair 2024, Japan Pavilion |
| Period | 31 October to 10 November 2024 |
| Venue | Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos |
| Japanese companies | 40, including Ajinomoto, Choya, Casio, Mitsubishi Motors and Pocari Sweat |
| Organised by | LCCI, JETRO Nigeria and Hidemi Consulting, with KANI support |
What did KANI do at the 2024 fair?
Booth-to-booth networking
Led by the KANI President, KANI members visited all 40 companies as a group. At each booth they shared the KANI brochure and Newsletter and explained how working with KANI can widen a company’s networks across Nigeria’s private and public sectors. Because KANI is the Nigerian chapter of the wider Kakehashi Africa family, those links can extend across Africa.
Operations and data
- Mobilised members and ex-ABE Initiative participants to run Pavilion operations.
- Provided logistics support and business matchmaking.
- Collected feedback through questionnaires on business outcomes, visitor experience and logistics.
What were the results?
The Pavilion hosted companies from automotive, agriculture, technology and consumer goods. The opening featured the Tankobushi sake barrel-breaking ritual and a bon dance. Ajinomoto held a live cooking demonstration and Casio used a social media influencer. Companies reported greater visibility and prospective partnerships, with business-to-business links strengthened in agricultural machinery, food processing and consumer electronics.
What can exhibitors learn from the 2024 Pavilion?
KANI’s report recommended these steps for future fairs:
- Grow participation to 60 Japanese companies or more.
- Enlarge the Pavilion and manage visitor flow better.
- Track visitors in real time, as neighbouring pavilions did.
- Use the data collected to plan the next fair.
To plan your own participation, contact KANI’s support for Japanese and Nigerian companies.
Frequently asked questions
How many Japanese companies were in the 2024 Pavilion?
Fourty.
What did KANI do at each booth?
Shared the KANI brochure and Newsletter and explained the benefits of working with KANI.
Who organised the Pavilion?
LCCI, JETRO Nigeria and Hidemi Consulting, with support from KANI.
Next step
Planning to exhibit in Nigeria or Japan? Tell us what you need.
