Nigeria’s reliance on raw material exports and the implications for domestic manufacturing are central themes in VVC Watch’s report featuring Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Founder and Visionary CEO of the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII).
In a report published by VVC Watch on 14 October 2026, titled “Nigeria’s Raw Material Exports Undermine Industrial Growth, Expert Warns,” she argued that exporting raw materials without sufficient local processing limits the economic benefits Nigeria can gain from its natural resources.
The report highlighted her proposal for tax incentives for companies that manufacture goods locally, with additional incentives for businesses that source their raw materials within Nigeria. It also covered the role of advanced technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the Industrial Internet of Things, in modern manufacturing.
Prof. Ekeng-Itua further emphasised the need to develop technical skills and strengthen collaboration among government, industry, and academia so that research can translate into commercially viable products. These priorities connect directly with ATII’s work in technology innovation, research, and capacity-building for industrial development.
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Turning Cross River State’s agricultural resources into valuable industrial products was the focus of remarks by Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Founder and Visionary CEO of the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII).
In a report published by The PUNCH on 15 October 2026, titled “Turn Cassava, Cocoa to Global Products – Expert,” she identified cassava, cocoa, and oil palm as resources that could support local industries, create employment, and expand economic opportunities if processed into finished products.
The report highlighted the potential of cassava flour, edible plastics, chocolate production, and renewable energy. Prof. Ekeng-Itua also disclosed that her laboratory had used cassava flour to develop edible plastics, illustrating how locally available agricultural resources can serve as inputs for industrial production.
Her remarks also emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, industry, and academia in building a stronger manufacturing ecosystem. This aligns with ATII’s purpose of connecting technological research, industrial production, and the skills required by modern manufacturing businesses.
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Cross River State’s potential to turn its agricultural resources into globally competitive products through smart manufacturing features in The Guardian Nigeria’s report on Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Founder and Visionary CEO of the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII).
In a report published by The Guardian Nigeria on 14 October 2026, titled “Cross River Can Turn Cassava, Cocoa into Global Products, Says Expert,” she highlighted opportunities to develop industries around cassava, cocoa, and oil palm through local processing and technological innovation.
The report featured her laboratory’s development of edible and biodegradable plastics from cassava flour. It also highlighted opportunities in cocoa processing and the use of oil palm by-products for cosmetics, food, beverages, and renewable energy.
Prof. Ekeng-Itua stressed that stronger collaboration among government, industry, and academic institutions is necessary to build a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. The discussion reflects ATII’s focus on technology innovation and capacity-building to help bridge the gap between research and practical industrial production.
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Nigeria’s reliance on raw material exports and the implications for domestic manufacturing are central themes in VVC Watch’s report featuring Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Founder and Visionary CEO of the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII).
In a report published by VVC Watch on 14 October 2026, titled “Nigeria’s Raw Material Exports Undermine Industrial Growth, Expert Warns,” she argued that exporting raw materials without sufficient local processing limits the economic benefits Nigeria can gain from its natural resources.
The report highlighted her proposal for tax incentives for companies that manufacture goods locally, with additional incentives for businesses that source their raw materials within Nigeria. It also covered the role of advanced technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the Industrial Internet of Things, in modern manufacturing.
Prof. Ekeng-Itua further emphasised the need to develop technical skills and strengthen collaboration among government, industry, and academia so that research can translate into commercially viable products. These priorities connect directly with ATII’s work in technology innovation, research, and capacity-building for industrial development.
Read the Full Article Here: