At the Nigeria Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition 2026, stakeholders in Nigeria's ceramic industry emphasized the need for increased domestic investment, innovation, and stronger policy support to reduce the $2.1 billion spent on ceramic imports. They advocated for deeper collaboration to enhance the sector's role in industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification, according to Vanguard.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has confirmed data from Vanguard Newspaper indicating a 22.5 percent decline in bank credit to manufacturers, amounting to N1.9 trillion. MAN expressed concerns that this decline could negatively impact industrial growth, increase unemployment, and hinder policy implementation, attributing the issue to high interest rates and policy gaps.

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has cautioned that Nigeria may not fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) despite the government's approval of a $1 billion credit facility to support exporters. The association emphasized that without necessary reforms, the potential advantages of the AfCFTA may not be realized, according to Vanguard Business.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reported securing over $380 million in investment commitments within the first 90 days of implementing the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP) 2025. This progress aims to enhance local manufacturing, exports, skills development, and industrial infrastructure, according to a report from the Office of the Federal Government.

Nigeria's manufacturing sector reported a record remittance of N329.59 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest quarterly contribution in four years, according to Punch.

Uganda's manufacturers are facing challenges such as high production costs, limited access to long-term capital, reliance on imported inputs, and fragmented supply chains. To address these issues, they are advocating for enhanced collaboration across supply chains, innovative financing solutions, and increased investment in value addition, according to The Independent.