FG Launches AfCFTA Toolkits to Boost SME Exports and Simplify Trade
The Federal Government has unveiled simplified trade books and toolkits to help Nigerian businesses navigate the African Continental Free Trade Area, reduce export bottlenecks, and expand non-oil exports across the continent.
The initiative, launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, in Kano, is part of a broader push to make continental trade more accessible—particularly for small and medium enterprises.
The newly introduced resources, available in English, Arabic, and Hausa, are designed to break down complex trade processes into practical steps. They cover key areas such as rules of origin, customs procedures, standards compliance, and market entry requirements, helping businesses better understand how to export within Africa.
Oduwole said the goal is to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that have historically discouraged smaller businesses from participating in cross-border trade. As part of the rollout, regulatory agencies will provide on-the-spot services including business registration, product certification, and issuance of certificates of origin.
She also announced plans for live export simulations and hands-on training sessions, alongside the introduction of the “One Local Government, One Export Product” initiative to drive grassroots participation in export activities.
Nigeria’s growing traction under AfCFTA was also highlighted, including the rollout of an air cargo corridor that has reduced freight costs significantly and improved access to regional markets for Nigerian goods.
The initiative comes as Nigeria continues to play a key role in AfCFTA implementation, having recently been selected as a pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), aimed at supporting small-scale cross-border traders.
