FG unveils $1bn AfCFTA financing window to boost Nigerian exports

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to drive export-led economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), unveiling opportunities for Nigerian businesses to access a $1 billion financing facility designed to boost production, competitiveness and intra-African trade.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this on Tuesday during the second-quarter meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) in Abuja.
She described the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility as a major opportunity for Nigerian companies seeking to expand operations, modernise production processes and increase exports across African markets.
According to the minister, although Nigeria has recorded significant progress in implementing the continental trade agreement, many businesses continue to face challenges relating to export documentation, certification, standards compliance and market access.
Oduwole said the Federal Government is addressing these constraints through trade facilitation reforms, simplified export guidance tools, stakeholder engagement programmes and closer collaboration with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
She also stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework through the domestication of key AfCFTA protocols, particularly the Digital Trade Protocol, to position the country for greater participation in Africa’s growing digital economy.
Highlighting recent achievements, the minister cited the expansion of Nigeria’s Air Cargo Corridor Initiative to Rwanda, increased collaboration with development partners and the private sector, and ongoing engagements with state governments to deepen awareness of AfCFTA opportunities.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mrs. Patience Okala, said the $1 billion financing facility is targeted at large African businesses with financing requirements of at least $10 million.
She explained that the facility would support business expansion, industrialisation projects, working capital needs, project development and regional value chain integration.
Okala disclosed that the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office is working with fund managers to facilitate access for qualified Nigerian companies and is assembling a pilot group of businesses to maximise the country’s participation in the programme.
She also revealed that recent AfCFTA sensitisation campaigns in Kano attracted more than 470 businesses, including a significant number of women-led enterprises, while the newly introduced AfCFTA ABC Series is helping companies better understand export procedures and market opportunities across Africa.
Also speaking, a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Njoku, reiterated that registration with the council remains mandatory for all exporters.
He announced that the registration process has been fully digitised, enabling businesses to register online and obtain an Exporter’s Certificate valid for two years.
According to him, registered exporters can access government-backed incentives, including the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and the Export Development Fund (EDF).
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, expanding opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, increasing utilisation of AfCFTA market access provisions and deepening Nigeria’s participation in regional value chains.
They also pledged support for Nigeria’s preparations for key continental trade engagements scheduled for June and July 2026, with the goal of increasing exports, attracting investment, driving industrial growth and creating jobs.