The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, aimed at facilitating and expanding trade between Nigeria and key African markets. The initiative provides Nigerian exporters with discounted air freight rates of up to 50%, making it easier and more affordable to access East and Southern African countries.
Unveiled at a ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the corridor is a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Uganda Airlines, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing logistics costs and shortening delivery times for goods destined for regional hubs in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, explained that the initiative aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to deepen regional economic integration. She highlighted that the discounted freight rates, which cover cargo and regulatory charges, will particularly benefit exporters affiliated with national trade associations such as NACCIMA, NASME, NASSI, and WCCIMA.
To complement the corridor, the government also introduced the AfCFTA Market Intelligence Tool, designed to provide exporters with critical data on market regulations and trends across East and Southern Africa. This tool aims to empower Nigerian businesses with the necessary insights to navigate cross-border trade effectively.
The corridor is expected to enhance the export of various Nigerian products, including textiles, cosmetics, processed foods, and leather goods, by ensuring faster, more reliable delivery. By reducing shipping times from months to days, the initiative is set to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in regional markets.
This move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy and boost non-oil exports, leveraging regional trade opportunities to stimulate growth and job creation across Nigeria.
