AYV News, October 6, 2026
Sierra Leonean parliamentarian and economist Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella is set to be a distinguished guest speaker at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, where he will deliver the 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture today October 6, 2026.
Dr. Yumkella joins a distinguished list of African leaders and business figures who have addressed the prestigious lecture, which has emerged as an important platform for discussions on African enterprise, industrial development and economic policy.
The 53rd Adeola Odutola Lecture was delivered last year by Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group.
Previous speakers have included former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The lecture has also featured prominent African economic and business leaders, including Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank; Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the African Finance Corporation; and Olusegun Aganga, former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Dr. Yumkella’s participation is expected to bring a broader West African perspective to discussions on Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the continent’s industrial ambitions.
His contribution will highlight the importance of regional cooperation, investment and industrial integration between Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other countries across West Africa as the continent seeks to accelerate economic transformation and create greater opportunities for its people.
The event will also provide an opportunity to promote the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS 2026), scheduled to take place at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi from November 16 to 18, 2026.
The summit is expected to focus attention on opportunities for increased trade, investment and economic cooperation across the West African region.
