Abuja, 26 May 2025 - In a bold step to make the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) real for small businesses, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a practical, data-rich Market Access Tool for Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The launch was held at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja alongside the announcement of Nigeria’s first intra-African air cargo corridor, in partnership with Uganda Airlines. 

Together, these twin milestones offer a powerful signal: Nigeria means business, and MSMEs are at the center of Africa’s trade renaissance.

A Real Tool for Real Trade

The Market Access Tool provides sector-specific insights to help Nigerian businesses expand into 13 African markets, particularly in East and Southern Africa. It includes:

• Clear guidance on export procedures, documentation, and regulatory requirements.

• Product and packaging standards in agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, and more.

• Up-to-date tariff preferences under AfCFTA;

• Shipping routes, buyer trends, and key trade facilitation contacts.

“This tool is not just a document—it’s a directional compass,” said Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. “It tells our MSMEs: you belong in continental trade, and here’s how to get there.”

“Trade Made Practical”

UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, emphasized the urgency and practicality of the intervention:

“This is what implementation looks like. This is trade made real. We asked entrepreneurs what they needed—and this tool is the response. We are proud to co-create this with FMITI and position Nigeria to lead with solutions others can follow.”

 The tool was developed using in-depth consultations with exporters, business associations, and trade experts, under UNDP’s regional AfCFTA support programme. It complements UNDP’s broader initiatives like HerAfCFTA, Export Readiness Labs, and support to digitize trade intelligence platforms.

Linking Insight to Access: The New Air Cargo Corridor

Coinciding with the tool’s launch is the flag-off of Nigeria’s first intra-African air cargo corridor, operated by Uganda Airlines, which provides fast, discounted freight access to Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. The corridor cuts delivery times from 90 days to under a week, slashing costs by up to 50%, a critical enabler for MSMEs trading perishables, fashion, and processed foods.

Digital and Continental Scaling Next

Plans are underway to transform the tool into a dynamic online portal to provide real-time updates and digital access to MSMEs across Nigeria. The tool and cargo corridor are part of UNDP’s broader portfolio of work to democratize trade access through inclusive digital infrastructure, investment in production hubs, and innovation ecosystems.

From Nigeria to Africa: A Model to Replicate

As Nigeria deepens its AfCFTA reforms, this initiative offers a replicable model for other African countries seeking to empower MSMEs with the information and logistics they need to scale. It reflects a growing continental consensus: policy without practicality leaves entrepreneurs behind.

For programme enquiries:

Edith-Casely Fordjoe

Programme Analyst – Inclusive Growth

edith-casely.fordjoe@undp.org

For media enquiries:

Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg

Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships

christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org