Abuja, May 26, 2025 – In a major leap toward unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for small businesses, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a groundbreaking Market Access Tool tailored for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Unveiled at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja, the launch also introduced Nigeria’s first intra-African air cargo corridor, developed in partnership with Uganda Airlines—together forming a twin breakthrough aimed at placing Nigerian MSMEs at the heart of Africa’s trade transformation.
A Trade Revolution for Small Businesses
Designed to guide MSMEs through the complexities of intra-African trade, the new Market Access Tool equips Nigerian businesses with vital, sector-specific intelligence to enter 13 African markets, particularly across East and Southern Africa.
This innovative resource delivers:
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Step-by-step guidance on export processes and required documentation
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Standards for product quality and packaging in sectors such as agriculture, cosmetics, and textiles
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Real-time insights into tariff advantages available under AfCFTA
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Information on buyer trends, shipping logistics, and key trade contacts
“This tool is more than a guide—it’s a roadmap for African trade,” said Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. “It signals to our small businesses that they are ready to compete and thrive across the continent.”
Practical Trade Solutions, Not Just Policy
UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, underscored the tool’s practicality and impact, noting that its development was driven by direct input from entrepreneurs, exporters, and trade experts.
“This is real implementation in action,” said Attafuah. “We asked business owners what they truly needed to trade across borders—and this tool is our collective answer. Nigeria is now not just participating in AfCFTA but leading by example.”
The Market Access Tool is part of a broader suite of initiatives supported by UNDP, including HerAfCFTA, Export Readiness Labs, and efforts to digitize trade data for wider access.
New Air Cargo Route Slashes Cost and Time
Complementing the tool is a new intra-African air cargo route, launched in partnership with Uganda Airlines. This corridor connects Nigeria directly to Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, reducing delivery times from up to three months to under a week and cutting shipping costs by as much as 50%.
For MSMEs exporting perishable goods, fashion items, and packaged foods, this new logistics option is a game-changer—helping them reach new markets faster and more affordably.
Digital Expansion and Regional Impact Ahead
FMITI and UNDP plan to transform the Market Access Tool into a fully digital platform, giving entrepreneurs nationwide real-time updates and online access to the latest trade information. The digital version will support MSMEs as they navigate an increasingly complex trade landscape while benefiting from AfCFTA reforms.
This combined initiative—blending insights with infrastructure—is already drawing attention as a blueprint for other African countries seeking to empower their small businesses.
“As Nigeria accelerates its role in AfCFTA, this partnership proves that inclusive trade is possible,” Attafuah added. “By putting tools and transport into the hands of MSMEs, we move from policy promises to real prosperity.”
