By Joy Yesufu
In a landmark step towards accelerating Nigeria’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Market Intelligence Tool and inaugurated a strategic air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines.
Unveiled at the Bank of Industry headquarters in Abuja, the dual initiative is designed to empower Nigerian exporters particularly women-led MSMEs through real-time trade data and improved logistics, positioning Nigeria as a pacesetter in continental trade.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Africa’s economic integration. “This intelligence tool will enable smarter, data-informed export decisions, while the air corridor will reduce logistics costs, cut delivery times, and boost Nigeria’s trade advantage,” she said.
The launch aligns with the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee’s recent five-year review, which urged more coordinated national action. Dr. Oduwole highlighted Nigeria’s three-pronged strategy: building trade facilitation infrastructure, enhancing productive capacity, and undertaking a comprehensive AfCFTA implementation review.
The new air cargo corridor, developed in collaboration with Uganda Airlines and UNDP, offers scheduled flights, subsidised freight rates, and guaranteed delivery timelines—transforming Nigeria’s export logistics landscape. Cargo Manager at Uganda Airlines, Mr. Patrick Ziwa, announced that the corridor will reduce export costs by up to 75%, linking Nigerian businesses directly to key hubs in Nairobi, Entebbe, and Johannesburg.
The Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, described the initiative as a milestone in transforming raw trade data into actionable opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs. Dr. Ify Ogo, UNDP Trade Expert, highlighted the initiative’s role in expanding Nigeria’s services trade schedule under AfCFTA. UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, hailed the tool as a “game-changer” that will help businesses navigate and thrive in Africa’s $3.4 trillion market.
Women’s inclusion in trade also featured prominently. Dr. Weyinmi Eribo of WCCIMMA commended the initiative for enhancing the visibility and dignity of African women entrepreneurs. Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, noted Nigeria’s recent rise in non-oil exports and stressed that the new tool and logistics partnership are driving the country “from potential to performance.”
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