GIZ, WTO Launch TradeConnect To Empower Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Germany, through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in collaboration with the World Trade Organisation, has launched TradeConnect to Empower Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs.
The inaugural edition of TradeConnect officially kicked off in Lagos. It spotlighted Germany’s strategic leadership through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in empowering Nigeria’s next generation of exporters under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The two-day programme, organised by WTO Young Trade Leader Eric Andrew, in collaboration with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aimed to equip 50 young entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and networks needed to thrive in global markets.

The GIZ head of project, supporting the ECOWAS in the implementation of Afcfta, Bernard Tayoh, emphasised the programme’s alignment with GIZ’s ongoing support to the ECOWAS Commission on Afcfta implementation: “Trade is more than economic growth—it is transformation. Through our ECOWAS Afcfta support project, we are committed to breaking barriers for young businesses. ‘TradeConnect’ is exactly the kind of initiative that brings the benefits of targeted trade policy to life—empowering real people with real tools to access real markets.”

In his welcome remarks, Eric Andrew explained the rationale behind the programme: “As a WTO Young Trade Leader, my mission is to localise global trade knowledge and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs to international opportunities. TradeConnect is our way of saying: Nigerian youth are ready, and with the right support, like what GIZ is providing, we can compete globally and win.”

Participants at the event received hands-on training on international trade regulations, market access strategies, export branding, compliance standards, trade finance, and digital tools.

Participants are already feeling the impact. One of them, Eze Chidinma Mary, the team lead of FarmCAS, shared her excitement: “It’s been amazing, particularly for the opportunity to connect with various stakeholders who are involved in the export process. As an agropreneur, I have experienced quite a few bottlenecks in exporting. With what I have learnt in this programme, I am better empowered.”

The programme explored key trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the European Union (EU) trade frameworks.

GIZ’s pivotal role in the programme builds on its long-standing commitment to strengthening regional value chains, advancing trade integration, and fostering inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and across West Africa.