Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark move to accelerate Nigeria’s trade competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Market Intelligence Tool alongside a strategic logistics partnership with Uganda Airlines. This dual initiative aims to empower Nigerian businesses, particularly women-led MSMEs, by providing real-time trade insights and enhanced export logistics, positioning Nigeria as a continental trade leader.
Speaking at the high-level event in Abuja today at the Bank of Industry complex, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to driving Africa’s economic integration through data-driven policies and strategic partnerships. She emphasised that the newly launched tool will enable exporters to make informed decisions, while the air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines will reduce delivery times, cut logistics costs, and enhance Nigeria’s regional competitiveness.
Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation was recently reaffirmed by the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee’s five-year assessment, urging coordinated action among institutions. The Honourable Minister highlighted a three-pronged strategy focusing on trade facilitation infrastructure, productive capacity, and a comprehensive AfCFTA review, ensuring Nigeria’s leadership in intra-African trade. The newly launched air cargo corridor—developed in collaboration with Uganda Airlines and UNDP—offers Nigerian exporters scheduled flights, subsidised freight rates, and guaranteed delivery timelines, making export logistics more affordable and efficient.
The event also underscored the importance of trade intelligence and logistics, with Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of FMITI, emphasising that the initiative will transform raw trade data into tangible opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs. Dr. Ify Ogo, UNDP Trade Expert, shed light on the expansion of Nigeria’s AfCFTA services trade schedule, while Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, described the intelligence tool as a “game-changer” for Nigerian exporters.
Industry leaders also recognised the critical impact on women traders, with Dr. Weyinmi Eribo of WCCIMMA lauding the tool’s potential to enhance visibility, dignity, and inclusion for African women entrepreneurs. Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, highlighted Nigeria’s recent growth in non-oil exports, stating that with this tool and the Uganda Airlines partnership, the nation is moving “from potential to performance.” Mr. Patrick Ziwa, Cargo Manager for Uganda Airlines, formally announced the new trade corridor, offering exporters up to 75% reductions in cargo costs and direct access to major hubs in Nairobi, Entebbe, and Johannesburg.
About the Nigeria Market Intelligence Tool
Co-developed by FMITI and UNDP, the intelligence tool equips Nigerian MSMEs with data on tariffs, trade flows, market trends, entry requirements, and buyer profiles across 13 African countries, focusing on high-growth sectors including agribusiness, cosmetics, and textiles.
About the Air Cargo Corridor
The Nigeria–East/Southern Africa trade corridor—powered by Uganda Airlines and coordinated through UNDP, offers Nigerian exporters subsidised freight rates, reduced delivery times, and dedicated logistics support.
With this launch, Nigeria signals its readiness to lead Africa’s trade renaissance, ensuring businesses capitalise on the continent’s $3.4 trillion market. As Dr. Oduwole stated, “The success of this initiative will not be measured by applause, but by increased exports, expanded businesses, and transformed lives.”
Signed
Dr Adebayo Thomas
Director, Press and Public Relations
May 26th, 2025
