Ikpeazu Secures Major Spanish Partnership Push For Nigeria’s Footwear Industry
By Adaora Ezenwaka
Nigerian shoemakers could soon gain access to advanced production technology, specialised training and international business partnerships following moves by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, to connect local footwear manufacturers with established Spanish industry leaders.
Ikpeazu made the move during a strategic visit to Alicante Province, Spain, on Monday, 2 November 2026, where he held discussions with key players in the Spanish footwear industry on technology transfer, skills development and investment opportunities.
According to a statement by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, the Ambassador met with the President of the Valencian Association of Footwear Manufacturers Entrepreneurs (AVECAL), Vicente Pastor Perez, as well as representatives of footwear companies Pikolinos and Hispanitas and the footwear technology centre, INESCOP.
The engagement is aimed at creating opportunities for Nigerian footwear manufacturers to move beyond largely traditional production methods, improve product quality and compete more effectively in international markets.
At INESCOP, a leading footwear technology and innovation centre in Elda, Alicante, Ikpeazu was received by the Director of Technologies and Materials, Elena Orgilés Calpena, who conducted him round the facility.
INESCOP works with more than 400 member companies across different countries, supporting innovation in footwear design, materials and manufacturing processes.
Discussions centred on technical cooperation, quality assurance, certification, sustainable production and capacity-building programmes that could be adapted to the Nigerian footwear industry.
The parties also explored opportunities for training Nigerian technicians, strengthening manufacturing capabilities and transferring relevant technologies to local businesses.
Speaking during the engagements, Ikpeazu highlighted the ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive of Nigerian shoemakers, noting that many already produce different categories of footwear manually despite limited access to advanced manufacturing technology.
He said the Nigerian Embassy was ready to facilitate direct engagements between interested Nigerian entrepreneurs and Spanish industry players to encourage business-to-business partnerships and practical cooperation.
At separate meetings with AVECAL, Pikolinos and Hispanitas, the Ambassador explored production processes, industry best practices, knowledge-sharing opportunities and possible partnerships that could help Nigerian manufacturers modernise their operations and expand their market reach.
The visit also included tours of Hispanitas’ facilities and AVECAL’s headquarters.
The AVECAL President expressed the association’s readiness to work with the Nigerian Embassy to establish the necessary framework for engagement between Spanish footwear businesses and their Nigerian counterparts.
The proposed areas of cooperation include technical exchanges, training attachments, skills development, technology transfer and industry knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Ikpeazu said closer collaboration with Spain’s established footwear manufacturing cluster, particularly in the Valencia region and Alicante Province, could help Nigeria strengthen local production, improve product standards and increase the competitiveness of its footwear industry.
He stressed that specialised training, access to modern technology and sustained engagement with international industry partners were essential to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The Spanish industry representatives also expressed willingness to explore practical arrangements that would deliver mutual benefits to businesses in both countries.
The visit forms part of the Nigerian Mission’s economic diplomacy drive to attract foreign direct investment, promote industrial development and establish productive partnerships in support of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the Senior Counsellor, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and the First Secretary, Mr Likson Dadi.
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