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Nigeria and Uganda Strengthen Trade Ties Under AfCFTA to Boost Regional Commerce

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Nigeria and Uganda Strengthen Trade Ties Under AfCFTA to Boost Regional Commerce
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Nigeria and Uganda have taken a significant step toward deepening their trade relationship under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), following the appointment of Ani Bassey-Eyo as Uganda’s Trade Representative to Nigeria. This milestone marks a crucial phase in the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, aimed at enhancing intra-African trade.

According to an official statement, the appointment preceded the signing of commitment export orders, paving the way for Uganda’s first official shipment of goods to Nigeria.

Strategic Trade Milestone and Export Expansion

The development was announced during an event in December 2024, which also marked the commissioning of the Free Zones Export Facility at Entebbe International Airport and the official launch of Uganda’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy.

President Yoweri Museveni underscored the significance of regional trade in driving economic transformation, stating:

“I am pleased to kick off the journey for the first formal exports of Ugandan products to West Africa under AfCFTA.”

He further emphasized that expanding trade across Africa is essential for sustainable growth, as domestic markets alone are insufficient to unlock the continent’s full economic potential.

First Shipment and Market Exploration

Uganda’s first official shipment to Nigeria is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, including key exports such as coffee, black and green tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals. The pilot consignment aims to evaluate market demand in Nigeria and establish a foundation for further trade expansion between the two nations.

Museveni commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and facilitating Uganda’s entry into Nigeria’s market. He urged African nations to strengthen economic ties, leveraging AfCFTA to unlock broader commercial opportunities.

Investment, Infrastructure, and Regional Expansion

Ugandan Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, highlighted the role of free trade zones in attracting foreign investment and creating employment opportunities.

Additionally, Permanent Secretary Lynette Bagonza praised the collaborative efforts between government ministries and private sector stakeholders, emphasizing their role in shaping Uganda’s trade strategy.

Beyond its engagement with Nigeria, Uganda aims to broaden its reach to other AfCFTA member states, leveraging regional trade corridors and infrastructure improvements to solidify its position as a key player in Africa’s trade landscape.

This strengthened partnership between Nigeria and Uganda reflects a broader shift toward intra-African commerce, reinforcing AfCFTA’s mission to boost economic integration, industrialization, and sustainable trade growth across the continent.

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