The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating export-led growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework with the introduction of a $1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility designed to enhance production capacity, improve competitiveness, and expand intra-African trade.
Speaking at the 2nd Quarter 2026 meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee held on Tuesday in Abuja, Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the financing window represents a major opportunity for Nigerian businesses seeking to scale operations and access wider African markets.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Obilor -Duru Augustina Okechi, Head Press & PR, FMITI.
She explained that while Nigeria has made significant progress in implementing AfCFTA protocols, many businesses continue to face challenges, including export documentation, certification requirements, standards compliance, and market access barriers.
According to her, the Federal Government is addressing these constraints through enhanced trade facilitation measures, simplified AfCFTA guidance tools, strengthened stakeholder engagement programmes, and closer collaboration with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework through the domestication of key AfCFTA protocols, particularly the Digital Trade Protocol, aimed at positioning the country as a major player in Africa’s emerging digital economy.
She further noted recent achievements, including the expansion of Nigeria’s Air Cargo Corridor Initiative to Rwanda, increased partnerships with development institutions and the private sector, and nationwide sensitisation programmes designed to deepen awareness of AfCFTA opportunities.
In her remarks, Patience Okala, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, congratulated the Minister on her recent appointment as Chairperson of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, describing it as recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership role in continental trade integration.
Okala disclosed that recent sensitisation engagements in Kano attracted more than 470 businesses, with strong participation from women-led enterprises. She also highlighted the newly introduced AfCFTA ABC Series, which is helping businesses better understand export processes and leverage continental trade opportunities.
Providing details of the financing facility, she explained that the $1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility is targeted at large African businesses with a minimum financing threshold of $10 million. The fund will support business expansion, industrialisation, working capital needs, project development, and regional value chain integration.
She added that the AfCFTA Coordination Office is working with fund managers to ensure qualified Nigerian companies can access the facility, including the formation of a pilot group of beneficiaries to maximise participation.
Also speaking at the meeting, Njoku, Deputy Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), reiterated that registration with the Council remains mandatory for all exporters. He noted that the process has been fully digitised, allowing seamless online registration nationwide, with exporters receiving certificates valid for two years.
According to him, successful applicants receive an Exporter’s Certificate valid for two years, granting access to incentives such as the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and the Export Development Fund (EDF).
“The meeting ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, expand opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, increase utilization of AfCFTA market access provisions, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in regional and continental value chains.
“Participants also reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s preparations for key continental engagements scheduled for June and July 2026, with a shared objective of increasing exports, attracting investment, driving industrial growth, and creating jobs,” the statement added
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