In a major push to boost intra-African trade and support Nigerian exporters, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The corridor, launched on Africa Day at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is designed to significantly reduce logistics costs and accelerate regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Announcing the launch, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a transformative step for Nigerian exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The corridor will connect Nigeria to three key regional markets—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa—while offering air freight discounts of up to 75%.
“This development delivers on President Tinubu’s commitment to diversify Nigeria’s non-oil exports and empower MSMEs by tapping into Africa’s largest free trade zone,” Oduwole said. “By lowering logistics costs, accelerating delivery timelines, and reducing risk, this corridor creates new pathways for Nigerian goods to reach African markets quickly and efficiently.”
The Minister highlighted that the discounted air cargo rates—offered at 50% below commercial rates—are available to registered members of recognized Nigerian business associations. This approach ensures that credible exporters benefit from the subsidy while allowing for real-time tracking of trade activity between Nigeria and other African nations.
“This corridor is more than just a logistics channel—it’s a strategic trade bridge,” Oduwole added. “We are unlocking access to East and Southern Africa, reducing delivery times from weeks or months to mere days. This is critical for perishable goods and time-sensitive exports.”
The government also announced the launch of a new AfCFTA Market Insights and Intelligence Tool, developed in partnership with the UNDP. The platform will help Nigerian businesses navigate regulatory environments, understand market trends, and identify high-potential export opportunities in East and Southern Africa.
Oduwole praised key collaborators in making the project a success, including business groups like NACCIMA, NASME, NASSI, and WCCIMA, as well as the governments of Uganda and key officials from Nigeria’s Finance, Aviation, and Customs agencies.
“The air corridor is a solution designed by Africans for African trade,” she noted. “It’s not a test run—it’s a long-term strategic platform. One that empowers Nigerian MSMEs to grow confidently across the continent.”
The air cargo initiative will commence operations from Lagos and Abuja and is expected to significantly lower the barriers Nigerian businesses face in regional trade, helping them achieve quicker market entry and sustained expansion across Africa.
With this development, Nigeria is not just opening new trade routes—it’s opening doors to prosperity, resilience, and deeper continental integration.
