Nigeria has inaugurated an air cargo corridor under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), connecting Nigerian exporters to key African markets—Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. This strategic initiative aims to reduce logistics costs by up to 75%, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the region.
The launch event, held on Africa Day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, was officiated by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. She highlighted the transformative potential of the corridor, emphasizing its role in addressing one of Africa’s most significant trade barriers: the high cost of moving goods. By facilitating faster and more cost-effective transportation, the corridor is set to bolster Nigeria’s export capacity, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The partnership with Uganda Airlines is central to this initiative, offering discounted air cargo rates ranging from 50% to 75% below standard commercial rates. This reduction encompasses logistics and regulatory charges, making it more feasible for Nigerian businesses to access East and Southern African markets. The inaugural shipment under this corridor included a diverse range of Nigerian products, such as textiles, cosmetics, and agro-processed goods, marking a significant step toward operationalizing the AfCFTA and expanding market access for Nigerian exporters.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a pivotal role in facilitating this corridor, collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and Uganda Airlines. UNDP Nigeria’s Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, underscored the initiative’s potential to connect entrepreneurs to new markets, unlock job opportunities, and bring the AfCFTA to life in a practical, inclusive manner. She expressed optimism about the corridor’s capacity to transform trade logistics across Africa, serving as a model for public-private partnerships that accelerate regional integration and deliver tangible benefits to small businesses.
This development aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to enhancing intra-African trade and economic integration. By reducing transportation barriers and costs, the air cargo corridor is expected to stimulate trade flows, foster economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a central hub for regional trade and value-added exports. The initiative also reflects a concerted effort to implement trade facilitation tools that have a direct impact on real businesses, enabling exporters to plan, price, and compete with greater clarity and confidence.
As the corridor becomes operational, it is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for increased trade between Nigeria and its East and Southern African counterparts, contributing to the realization of the AfCFTA’s vision of a single market for goods and services across the continent. The success of this initiative may pave the way for similar collaborations, further enhancing regional trade dynamics and economic integration within Africa.
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