Nigeria Launches Inaugural AfCFTA Shipment, Marking a Milestone in Continental Trade Integration

Five years after inaugurating the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the first shipment of Nigeria’s exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). This significant event, held at the Apapa port in Lagos, signals a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s commitment to the AfCFTA and the broader goal of enhancing intra-African trade and economic diversification.

In his address, delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu emphasised the transformative potential of the AfCFTA. He highlighted that the agreement is not merely a trade pact but a catalyst for industrialisation, equitable growth, and continental prosperity. “Today, we embark on a journey that would ignite the flame of opportunity, foster economic ties, and pave the way for progress and shared prosperity for our great nation and the entire African continent,” he stated.

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National Coordinator of Nigeria’s AfCFTA Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, reiterated the importance of trade as the sustainable path to prosperity. He noted that Nigeria has met all requirements for accession to the GTI and emphasised the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in realising this milestone. Awolowo added that the first set of exports, including bags, ceramics, textiles, cables, smart cards, clinkers, black soap, native starch, and shea butter, have been consigned to Cameroon, Kenya, Algeria, Uganda, and Egypt.

The launch event was a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in regional and continental integration. Distinguished guests included the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, relevant Nigerian ministers, representatives from diplomatic missions and international development partners, business leaders, and members of the continental press.

The AfCFTA, with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion and a population of 1.3 billion, represents the world’s largest trade area. The GTI aims to facilitate commercially meaningful trading among state parties by matchmaking businesses and products for export and import. This initiative marks Nigeria’s transition from planning to active participation in trade under the AfCFTA protocol.

Several Nigerian companies are spearheading this initiative, including Dangote Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), and Tolaram Group, among others. These companies are exporting a variety of goods such as clinkers, native starch, alcoholic bitters, and smart cards to target markets in East, Central, and North African countries.

Le Look Nigeria Limited, the first company to receive an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin, exported bags to Kenya. Founder Chinwe Ezenwa expressed pride in promoting made-in-Nigeria goods and highlighted the ease of penetrating regional markets compared to European and American markets. Similarly, Secure ID Limited exported smart cards to Cameroon, while Avila Naturalle shipped black soap and shea butter to Kenya.

The launch of the GTI and Nigeria’s active participation in the AfCFTA signify a new era of trade and prosperity for the country. The initiative is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and create jobs. It also underscores Nigeria’s dedication to regional economic integration and the collective strength of the continent.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the AfCFTA, the focus remains on fostering innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of local enterprises, and ensuring robust financial and institutional support for successful implementation. The nation’s commitment to AfCFTA is poised to drive substantial economic growth and development, making a transformative impact on Africa’s future.