Jamie Hill, the Managing Director of BtoB Events Limited, is responsible for organizing the sublime Beauty West Africa exhibition and conference. Delving deeper into the details during an interview, Hill sheds light on the commencement of the long-anticipated exhibition and the advantages it brings forth for Nigeria. Speaking on what is expected of the event, he stated that since its establishment in 2018, this event has developed into a prominent showcase for the beauty industry within Africa. Boasting an impressive attendance of over 5,000 beauty professionals and 250 companies from diverse corners of the globe, it offers a platform for these entities to exhibit an extensive range of products encompassing make-up, hair care, skincare, toiletries, spa equipment, and nail care.
This year, 2023, marks its most massive edition to date, featuring a larger number of exhibitors and visitor registrations than ever before. Notably, this year’s exhibition boasts government-supported pavilions from various countries including South Africa, Egypt, China, and Pakistan. These pavilions bring official delegations of beauty manufacturers to Nigeria, emphasizing the significant role the Nigerian market plays in the global beauty industry. For the upcoming event, Chinese exhibitors will be making their debut following the pandemic. The allure of Chinese beauty products amongst attendees has remained unwavering, and the positive response from domestic collaborators has been continuous.
Exporting ‘Made in Nigeria’ brands is of utmost significance.
The event will serve as a platform for over 50 Nigerian companies to exhibit their products. The conference has also established strong collaborations with partners in neighbouring West African nations like Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, and Gambia. As a result, these countries are sending delegations to the exhibition, creating even more opportunities for Nigerian companies. This opens doors for them to network with international buyers, enhance their exporting capabilities, and gain global recognition. Exporting ‘Made in Nigeria’ brands is of utmost significance due to the present hindrances confronting the naira. It serves as a crucial means of obtaining foreign currency and plays a substantial role in bolstering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.
Global exhibitions of this magnitude indirectly contribute to the local economy by generating substantial foreign currency through various channels such as tourism, hospitality, and logistics. The upcoming event in Lagos is expected to attract more than 1,000 international guests within a span of one week, resulting in a highly beneficial boost to local businesses. Addressing reasons why attendees should be concerned with the exhibition, Hill said that it is a unique chance for beauty experts to get up close and personal with a wide array of beauty and cosmetics items from all around the globe. Participating companies are dedicating considerable resources and effort to make their way to Nigeria with the intention of connecting with fresh industry allies.
Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises to make an impressive comeback.
Consequently, this event presents an immense prospect for beauty experts to secure new suppliers, purchasers, and collaborators, facilitating a remarkable leap towards advancing their business endeavours. Hill has collaborated with Ezinne Alfa, the founder of Beauty in Lagos, to curate this year’s conference. This event will not only enhance the trade aspect of the exhibition but also provide a platform for exchanging valuable insights and showcasing industry’s best practices. Attendees have a chance to gain invaluable insights from industry experts like Olufunke Tonye-Preghafi, the CEO of Blot Beauty, and Bola Balogun, the CEO of Glam Brand Agency. These accomplished leaders will engage in intimate fireside chats, sharing their remarkable journeys to becoming industry frontrunners.
He added that the show presents a diverse range of companies hailing from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the USA. Each of these companies is exhibiting their newest collections in numerous sectors like hair care, makeup, skincare, cosmetics, perfumes, fragrances, personal care items, toiletries, and more. The Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) zone is set to make an impressive comeback, larger than ever before. Moreover, visitors can seize the chance to score some incredible deals on-site and experience the finest products offered by Nigerian companies at discounted rates.
Achieving international standards on a large scale is still a distant goal.
Speaking on how Nigerian beauty companies keep up with the pace of their counterparts worldwide, Hill asserted that with a projected growth of the Nigerian beauty industry from $4.2 billion in 2021 to $5.28 billion by 2026, it is evident that the market is expanding globally. However, achieving international standards on a large scale is still a distant goal, with numerous hurdles to overcome. Certain crucial matters still require attention – facilitating the importation of raw materials to expand local production and ensuring the quality of packaging. The Beauty West Africa conference aims to impart crucial knowledge and understanding to enhance the growth of the ‘Made in Nigeria’ beauty and cosmetics industry globally.
Related Link
Beautywestafrica: Website
