The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Market Intelligence Tool and a dedicated air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines, in a push to deepen the nation’s participation in intra-African trade.
The coordinated launch of the market intelligence tool and the air logistics channel positions Nigeria to expand its footprint in the $3.4 trillion African trade market, and underscores the Government’s focus on building regional competitiveness through innovation and inclusive trade, according to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Unveiled at the Bank of Industry Complex in Abuja, the twin initiatives are designed to improve trade logistics and equip Nigerian exporters, especially women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with real-time access to African market data and affordable cargo solutions.
“The success of this initiative will not be measured by applause, but by increased exports, expanded businesses, and transformed lives,” Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, says at the event.
The newly launched Africa Market Intelligence Tool, developed in collaboration with UNDP, offers exporters comprehensive trade data including tariffs, market trends, trade flows, entry requirements, and buyer profiles across 13 African countries. It targets high-potential sectors such as agribusiness, cosmetics, and textiles.
She reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to using data-driven policies and strategic partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The newly launched Africa Market Intelligence Tool, developed in collaboration with UNDP, offers exporters comprehensive trade data including tariffs, market trends, trade flows, entry requirements, and buyer profiles across 13 African countries. It targets high-potential sectors such as agribusiness, cosmetics, and textiles.
Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, describes the tool as a “game-changer for Nigerian exporters”, while Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, adds that the platform will “transform raw trade data into tangible opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
In parallel, the Government has introduced a strategic air cargo corridor, in partnership with Uganda Airlines, aimed at connecting Nigerian businesses with key intra-African trade centres in Nairobi, Entebbe, and Johannesburg.
The new corridor will provide subsidised freight rates, reduced delivery times, and dedicated logistics support, coordinated through UNDP.
“This air cargo corridor will reduce delivery times, cut logistics costs, and enhance Nigeria’s regional competitiveness,” Dr Oduwole says, noting that the initiative supports Nigeria’s three-pronged AfCFTA strategy on “trade facilitation infrastructure, productive capacity, and a comprehensive AfCFTA review.”
Patrick Ziwa, Cargo Manager at Uganda Airlines, formally unveils the route and announces that exporters can expect “up to 75% reductions in cargo costs and direct access to major hubs.”
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