Nigeria and Uganda have taken a significant step toward boosting intra-African trade with the appointment of Ugandan Trade Representative Ani Bassey-Eyo to Nigeria. This move, aimed at implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, paves the way for Uganda’s first official shipment of goods to Nigeria. Scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, the shipment will include coffee, tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals, marking a milestone in strengthening trade relations between the two nations and advancing Africa’s economic integration.
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The appointment of Ani Bassey-Eyo as Uganda’s Trade Representative to Nigeria underscores both countries’ commitment to deepening trade ties under the AfCFTA framework. This development follows the signing of commitment export orders and the commissioning of Uganda’s Free Zones Export facility at Entebbe International Airport in December 2024. The event also marked the launch of Uganda’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, signaling a new era of regional trade collaboration.
A Catalyst for Economic Transformation
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who witnessed the signing, emphasized the importance of regional trade in driving economic growth. “I am pleased to kick off the journey for the first formal exports of Ugandan products to West Africa under AfCFTA,” he stated. “As Africa awakens to its economic potential, it becomes evident that domestic markets alone are not sufficient. Expanding trade across the continent is essential for sustainable growth.”
President Museveni also commended Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and facilitating the entry of Ugandan products into the Nigerian market. He called on other African nations to strengthen commercial ties and harness the continent’s vast economic potential.
Pilot Shipment to Assess Market Demand
The first shipment of Ugandan goods to Nigeria, expected in early 2025, will include coffee, black and green tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals. This pilot consignment aims to assess market demand in Nigeria and lay the groundwork for future trade expansion. By testing the waters, Uganda hopes to identify opportunities and challenges in the Nigerian market, which is one of Africa’s largest economies.
Uganda’s Broader Trade Ambitions
Uganda’s push into Nigeria’s market is part of a broader strategy to position itself as a regional trade hub. The country plans to leverage the AfCFTA agreement to expand exports to other member states, utilizing trade corridors and improving infrastructure to facilitate seamless trade. Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, highlighted the role of free zones in attracting investment and creating jobs, while Permanent Secretary Lynette Bagonza praised the collaborative efforts of government ministries and the private sector in shaping Uganda’s trade strategy.
AfCFTA: A Game-Changer for African Trade
The AfCFTA, which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, is a game-changer for African economies. By reducing trade barriers and fostering economic integration, the agreement has the potential to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and drive sustainable development. Uganda’s proactive approach to implementing the AfCFTA strategy demonstrates its commitment to leveraging the agreement for economic growth.
The strengthening of trade relations between Nigeria and Uganda marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward economic integration. With the first official shipment of Ugandan goods to Nigeria set for early 2025, both countries are poised to reap the benefits of increased trade under the AfCFTA framework. As Uganda positions itself as a regional trade hub and Nigeria opens its market to new products, this partnership exemplifies the potential of intra-African trade to drive economic transformation and unlock the continent’s vast potential.
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