ABIA STATE TO LAUNCH ABA EXPORT LAB: A NEW GATEWAY FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GO GLOBAL
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti
In a strategic move to transform Aba into a major export hub and unlock economic growth, the Abia State Government has announced the upcoming unveiling of the Aba Export Lab. This initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader economic rejuvenation agenda, specifically under the Growth Exports Pillar. The lab is designed to help local businesses prepare for and succeed in international markets by offering training, support, and access to development partners.
What Is the Aba Export Lab?
The Aba Export Lab is a six-month pilot program aimed at positioning Aba-based businesses to compete on the global stage. It will:
Identify viable international markets for products made in Abia.
Build export readiness through training, sensitization, and business support.
Develop tailored export strategies and roadmaps for selected businesses.
Provide capacity building in areas such as marketing, logistics, compliance, and production.
Facilitate market trials and actual export transactions, particularly targeting African markets.
According to Okey Kanu, Abia State Commissioner for Information:
“The commissioning of this Export Lab signals a strategic shift towards export-led industrialisation drive in Abia State, which Aba has been at the forefront as the state’s industrial and innovation hub.”
What Businesses Can Expect
During the first phase, the program will work with 20 or more carefully selected Aba-based businesses. These businesses will receive:
Export readiness assessments
International packaging and branding support
Training in product pricing, adaptation, and certification
Exposure to export markets via development partners like UNDP and UNIDO
The focus is on products with unique market potential, including:
Akwete fabrics (a geographically indicated, culturally significant textile)
Footwear (targeted at the oil & gas, construction, and industrial sectors)
Apparel for the African diaspora
Why This Matters: Economic Rebirth for Aba
For years, Aba has been known as the “Japan of Africa” due to its industrial prowess. However, many local manufacturers have struggled with branding, packaging, and meeting global standards—often rebranding their goods under foreign labels to sell.
Mike Akpara, Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, emphasized:
“The Export Growth Lab will instill confidence in the producers and teach them how to package their goods to meet international standards. That’s the only way the goods can compete favourably in international markets.”
“With the Aba Export Lab, we are not just exporting products — we are exporting the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Aba to the world.”
— Governor Alex Otti
How Local Entrepreneurs Can Benefit
If you’re a business owner in Aba or elsewhere in Abia State, here’s how you can take advantage of the Aba Export Lab:
Apply to participate in the pilot phase through relevant state channels.
Attend export readiness and compliance training offered by the Lab.
Leverage expert guidance from international development partners.
Use the Lab’s resources to refine your packaging, pricing, and certifications.
Engage in market trials and receive feedback before scaling.
Network with other export-ready businesses and build strategic partnerships.
The government is also providing an enabling environment and access to opportunities through multilateral agencies to ensure long-term success and job creation.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Sustainable Growth
The Aba Export Lab marks a transformational step for Abia’s economy, providing the tools, confidence, and connections that local businesses need to thrive internationally. With targeted training and support, this initiative could redefine Aba’s industrial legacy and open the door to sustainable exports, employment, and wealth creation.
If you’re a business owner, now is the time to step up, skill up, and go global with your Made-in-Aba products.
