By Valentine Alexander 
In a bold move to assert Nigeria’s leadership in African economic integration, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has officially launched the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Goods Market Intelligence Tool. This tool, specifically tailored for Eastern and Southern African markets, is set to equip Nigerian businesses with critical insights to navigate and thrive within the continent’s evolving trade landscape. Unveiled by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the tool represents a strategic step in unlocking access to Africa’s $3.4 trillion market under the AfCFTA framework. The launch also featured the announcement of a new formal partnership between Uganda Airlines and Nigerian business groups—another initiative aimed at enhancing regional trade logistics and deepening Nigeria’s role in the African supply chain.
A Tool for Empowering Nigerian Exporters
At the core of the launch is Nigeria’s ambition to dominate intra-African trade. The market intelligence tool will provide detailed, sector-specific information, including regulatory requirements, trade trends, and growth opportunities across key industries such as agriculture, cosmetics, and textiles. Particular attention has been given to women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ensuring they gain equitable access to trade opportunities and data-driven insights.
“The launch of the market intelligence tool and this partnership signal our readiness to lead Africa’s economic transformation,” Dr. Oduwole stated. “We are not just launching a tool but embracing a vision where Nigeria’s products compete confidently on shelves across Africa.”
Strengthening Regional Logistics Through Air Cargo
Complementing the digital tool is a newly created air cargo corridor through a partnership with Uganda Airlines. The corridor is expected to reduce delivery times, lower logistics costs, and provide Nigerian exporters with more reliable access to Eastern and Southern African markets. It will offer benefits such as subsidised freight rates and scheduled cargo flights game-changers for manufacturers and exporters struggling with supply chain inefficiencies.
Dr. Oduwole emphasized the significance of this development: “The air cargo corridor will connect Nigerian businesses with key African destinations, making it easier to deliver goods and fulfill export commitments on time. It is a major step toward enhancing our regional competitiveness.”
Targeting Growth in Intra-African Trade
According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), full implementation of AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade by over 52% by 2030. Nigeria aims to capture a substantial share of this projected growth by leveraging its population, market size, entrepreneurial talent, and now, strategic tools and trade corridors.
Dr. Oduwole concluded that the true impact of this initiative will be measured not in accolades but in tangible outcomes: increased exports, job creation, and expanded businesses. “The success of this initiative will not be measured by applause,” she remarked, “but by lives transformed through trade.”
Christopher Ajewole
Leave feedback about this