AfCFTA Targets Increased Export, Stronger Trade Presence In Africa

The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office plans to focus on strengthening institutional frameworks, expanding exporter participation and boosting Nigeria’s trade presence across African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The acting national coordinator of the office, Dr Olusegun Olutayo, stated this while commenting on the AfCFTA implementation scorecard covering the 2024–2025 period.

Olutayo, in a signed statement made available to newsmen, said the scorecard highlighted Nigeria’s progress in implementing its commitments under the continental trade agreement and reaffirmed the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to harnessing the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.

He explained that the report, titled Nigeria AfCFTA Consolidated Implementation Report for 2024–2025, outlined key milestones recorded during the review period, including Nigeria’s formal participation in AfCFTA trading arrangements, improved institutional coordination and stronger engagement with the private sector and development partners.

According to him, Nigeria’s implementation journey during the period marked a transition from preparatory groundwork to the practical execution of AfCFTA commitments, driven by improved institutional capacity and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

Olutayo noted that the achievements were built on the foundation laid by the late National Coordinator of the office, Olusegun Awolowo, whose leadership helped position Nigeria as a key participant in the continental trading framework.

He added that the Tinubu administration had expressed confidence in the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria and other stakeholders’ readiness to participate actively in the AfCFTA implementation agenda.

The report also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, a pilot framework designed to facilitate preferential trade among participating African countries.

“Under the initiative, Nigeria executed its first AfCFTA-compliant shipment, marking a significant step in the country’s integration into the continental trading system.”

It further indicated that the Coordination Office strengthened trade facilitation mechanisms and expanded engagement with stakeholders across government, the private sector and sub-national entities to promote export readiness and improve regulatory coordination.

The report also noted progress in digitalisation initiatives to integrate AfCFTA processes into national trade information systems, enhancing transparency and improving the tracking of cross-border shipments.