How SMEs can maximize ROI from LCCI trade missions in 2025

Participating in a trade mission is one of the most powerful ways an SME can gain global exposure, open new markets, and accelerate business growth. With the 2025  Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Trade Missions Calendar now available, the window is wide open for Nigerian businesses to take bold steps into the international market.

But showing up isn’t enough. Getting real value from a trade mission takes intentionality, planning, and follow-through. It’s not a vacation or a box to check, it’s a strategic move that can impact your bottom line.

Here’s how your business can prepare for LCCI trade missions and walk away with results that actually matter.

1. Define success before you register

Before you even sign up for a trade mission, take a moment to ask yourself:
What does success look like for my business?

• Are you looking to meet international buyers or distributors?
• Want to explore export opportunities for your products?
• Are you hoping to discover advanced technologies or machinery for your operations?
• Interested in attracting foreign investment?
• Or maybe you want to form partnerships for expansion?

Clear goals help you choose the right trade mission aligned with your strategic priorities. 

2. Choose the right trade mission 

With LCCI’s diverse mission destinations in 2025—from agribusiness expos in Canada to green energy meetings in Europe—you’ll want to pick the trip that best matches your industry and ambition.

2025 Trade Missions Snapshot

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3. Do your market research

Once you’ve selected your trade mission, learn everything you can about the destination country.

• What’s the business culture like?
• What sectors are thriving there?
• Are there regulatory barriers to entry for foreign businesses?
• What types of businesses or products are in demand?

Understanding this gives you an edge when pitching your product or service. For example, if you’re heading to Germany for the Giessen B2B Conference, understanding how German companies value punctuality,  technical precision and process documentation can help you tailor your approach.

4. Prepare top-tier marketing materials

You get one shot to make a strong first impression, so make it count. Here’s a checklist of what to bring:

• Business profile (short and clear)
• Product catalogues or brochures
• Professional pitch deck
• Export certifications (if applicable)
• Business cards
• Samples or digital demos of your product

Avoid generic flyers. Instead, highlight your unique value proposition, track record, and what you’re looking for (partners, buyers, distributors, etc.).

5. Be intentional with your networking

Trade missions are fast-paced. You’ll attend conferences, exhibitions, official receptions, and B2B meetings. To get the most out of it:

• Arrive early and stay engaged.
• Ask meaningful questions during meetings.
• Follow up immediately by sending a LinkedIn connection or a “great meeting you” email before you leave the country.

6. Play the long game

Not every handshake will become a deal. In fact, most trade mission wins come after the mission, sometimes weeks or months later.

What you’re building are relationships, and those take time to mature. Keep lines of communication open. Send updates on your product or company. Let them know you’re serious.

7. Learn beyond the pitch

A major part of a trade mission is the exposure to new markets, technologies, systems, and ways of doing business. Use this time to absorb:

• How are businesses structured differently abroad?
• What innovations could you bring home?
• What partnerships are other SMEs exploring?

8. Follow up like your ROI depends on it

Once you’re back in Nigeria, don’t let the momentum die.

• Review the contacts you made.
• Send follow-up emails.
• Log your leads and categorize them by urgency or potential.
• Schedule strategy meetings with your team to integrate learnings into your next phase.

Let Lery Hago handle the travel logistics so you can focus on the business

Once your strategy is in place and you’ve selected the right trade mission, the next step is managing the travel logistics, and that’s where Lery Hago steps in.

Here’s how we support you:

• Document collation and application support
  We help you compile and review all necessary documents to avoid last-minute errors or delays.
• Visa, flight, and accommodation processing
  From application to booking, we coordinate your travel and lodging needs based on your destination’s requirements and the trade mission’s itinerary.
• Trade mission coordination
  We keep you updated on key deadlines, package inclusions, and essential logistics. That includes flights, hotel bookings, event registrations, and even on-ground transportation.
• Pre-departure briefings and ongoing updates
  You’ll receive timely updates about what to expect, how to prepare, and who you’ll meet, so you arrive informed, confident, and ready to engage.