AREWATECH, a forward-looking initiative, is set to launch innovation hubs, annual marketplaces, export pathways, and a year-round entrepreneurial ecosystem aimed at boosting the economies of Nigeria’s northern states.

The announcement came during the unveiling of plans for Arewa Festival 2025, organised by Tripoint Academy for Tourism and Enterprise Development in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria. The festival, themed “Reliving the African Trade,” was revealed in Lagos and drew senior representatives from the financial sector, telecommunications, consumer goods companies, and entrepreneurship organisations—all of whom expressed strong support for the festival’s vision of economic and cultural transformation across Northern Nigeria.

A Blueprint for Northern Economic Revival

At the event, AREWATECH outlined its long-term development framework, Africa Rebuilds Economy With Agriculture, Trade, Entrepreneurship, Education, Creatives, and Hospitality. The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen agricultural value chains
• Expand inter-state and international trade
• Accelerate youth entrepreneurship
• Build capacity in creative and digital sectors
• Position Northern Nigeria as a premier tourism and hospitality destination

The framework will evolve into innovation hubs, annual marketplaces, export pathways, and a year-round entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating a sustainable environment for growth and opportunity.

Connecting History with Modern Enterprise

Founder of Tripoint Academy, Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, said the festival seeks to reconnect Northern Nigeria with its historic identity as a centre of trade and innovation.

“Arewa has always been a hub for commerce, culture, and exchange. This festival is designed to revive that legacy by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, creatives, agribusinesses, and communities across all 19 Northern states,” Muhammed said. “It will bring people together through commerce, culture, and creativity, while opening new economic doors for thousands of small businesses.”

Strong Support from Industry Leaders

The forum attracted notable attendees, including:

• Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director, SANEF
• Mrs. Onajite Eshareghan, Head of Corporate Banking, TAJ Bank
• Mr. Ibrahim Katsina, VP Sales & Digitisation (North), T2
• Mr. Seni Ogunkola, VP Brand & Communications, T2
• Mrs. Babatunde Kudirat, Assistant Brand Manager, Culinary, ONGA
• Mrs. Omotayo Olaobaju, Head of Culinary Category, ONGA
• Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director, GEN Nigeria

Dr. Anifowose highlighted that the festival aligns with GEN’s mission to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. “This is not just an event; it’s a movement that will accelerate economic transformation in Northern Nigeria and showcase the entrepreneurial acumen and professionalism of the region. The Arewa Festival will create access to markets for many local businesses and shine a light on Northern Nigeria to the world,” he said.

Festival Highlights and Economic Impact

Modeled after historic trans-Saharan trade routes and ancient marketplaces, Arewa Festival 2025 will stimulate modern economic activity by providing platforms for small businesses, artisans, agribusiness operators, and creative talents.

Organisers project:

• Over 200,000 visitors
• More than 5,000 SMEs benefiting from exposure, networking, and commercial opportunities

Festival activities include:

• Trade exhibitions and cultural showcases
• Fashion presentations and food tourism activities
• Entrepreneurship masterclasses and youth innovation programmes
• Art exhibitions and literacy engagements

The two-day festival will host coordinated events across all 19 Northern states, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, students, development agencies, government officials, and tourists.

Call for Partnerships

Organisers invited public and private institutions to join as partners or sponsors, noting ongoing collaborations with the Northern Governors’ Forum, Emirate Councils, government ministries, banks, telecommunications companies, consumer goods brands, and international development agencies. Sponsorship packages offer wide visibility and engagement across Northern Nigeria.

The Arewa Festival positions itself as a major convergence point for trade, culture, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and innovation, aiming to reconnect the region’s historic commercial legacy with modern development goals while empowering the next generation of business leaders and innovators.