Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Historically, Igboland is famous for its markets. The significance of the market days (Eke, Afor, Nkwo and Orie) is widely covered in various literatures. The significance and entrepreneurial spirit for markets and economic activities are well documented and extend beyond the past into the development of contemporary markets across Nigeria led by Igbo entrepreneurs and “industrialists.” This study examines one such market in Southeastern Nigeria (i.e. the Ogbo-Ogwu -pharmaceutical market- in Onitsha, Anambra state) by scoping the growth of this market historically and relating it towards its challenges. The aim of this study is to situate the economic development and contribution of this market before and during the period of the global pandemic (COVID-19) within the context of larger economic development in terms of revenue generation and medicine manufacturing standards in Onitsha market -one of the largest markets in West Africa. Utilising a process tracing methodology triangulated with key informant interviews with pharmaceutical entrepreneurs in Ogbo-Ogwu, the study concludes that despite the global pandemic and challenges of maintaining expected health regulations/standards, OgboOgwu stands as a representation of the kindred spirit of the Igbo towards contributing to health and economic development in Nigeria.

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