LEVERAGING AfCFTA FOR CROSS-BORDER TRADE: NIGERIA’S UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITY

[Abigail pereowei]

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers one of the most significant economic opportunities in modern African history. For Nigerian entrepreneurs, it is not merely an agreement on paper but a gateway to a market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. Yet, many Nigerian businesses have barely scratched the surface of its potential.

AfCFTA reduces tariffs, simplifies customs procedures, and encourages free movement of goods and services across member states. For a trader in Aba producing shoes, or a food processor in Kano, this means easier access to markets in Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa without the heavy burden of multiple taxes and complex border restrictions.

However, to truly benefit, Nigerian entrepreneurs must think beyond local competition and position their businesses for continental appeal. This requires improving product quality, meeting international standards, and adopting efficient distribution systems. Partnerships with logistics companies, utilisation of regional e-commerce platforms, and participation in cross-border trade fairs can help bridge the gap between Nigerian goods and the rest of Africa.

Government agencies and private sector players also have a role to play by providing the necessary infrastructure, financing options, and export training. With deliberate action, Nigeria can transform from a nation that primarily consumes imported goods into a leading supplier within Africa.

AfCFTA is not a distant dream—it is an open door. Nigerian entrepreneurs who step through now will be the ones shaping the continent’s economic future.

—Ihom Abraham Terhemen


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