LocationsUNDP Facilitates Market Access for Nigerian MSMEs at IATF 2025
September 19, 2025
With 80 percent of the businesses were women owned, the Nigerian delegation at IATF 2025 brought together a mix of innovators redefining what Nigeria has to offer to the world.
Algiers, 10 September 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) facilitated the participation of 12 Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, positioning them to secure capital, expand exports, and forge strategic partnerships under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With 80 percent of the businesses being women owned, the Nigerian delegation at IATF 2025 brought together a mix of innovators redefining what Nigeria has to offer to the world. From premium chocolate crafted straight from local cocoa farms to specialty coffee beans roasted for international markets, bold ready-to-wear fashion that blends elegance with cultural heritage to finely made leather goods sourced from Nigerian localities, the range was both diverse and compelling. Alongside these were emerging brands in agro-processing, organics, textiles, beauty, and design – businesses like Thistleberry Food Co., Moore Organics, Mak Nisy Collections, Lingzhi Global, and Lelook Nigeria Ltd – many of whom are already scaling their reach beyond Nigeria. Other participants included Chénché Lagos, Loom Craft Chocolate, Bio-Pulse Limited, Dr Purejoie, Gush Cosmetics, Winston Luxury Leather and Xpressionalé Afrodesign,
Some of these enterprises are beneficiaries of UNDP’s HerAfCFTA Programme, which empowers women entrepreneurs to compete in continental markets. Their participation at IATF 2025 was also supported by the Japan-funded UNDP Regional AfCFTA Programme, which is building new trade and investment bridges between African and Japanese businesses.
In the months leading up to the Fair, UNDP worked closely with the participating MSMEs to sharpen their readiness for continental markets. Through tailored investor-preparation sessions, trade specialists, private sector experts, and government partners guided the businesses on everything from structuring investments to navigating new market-entry strategies.
Nigerian MSMEs who attended the Fair have already entered discussions on distributorship agreements, export contracts, and financing with buyers from across North, East, and Southern Africa. These opportunities are not just symbolic; they hold the potential to expand operations, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s footprint in regional trade.
6th from the left: UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, during a debrief with the delegates sent to Algiers
Speaking on the broader significance, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, noted that building the capacity of Nigerian enterprises to compete under AfCFTA goes beyond trade figures. “By building the capacity of Nigerian enterprises to trade competitively under AfCFTA, we are creating pathways for inclusive growth. These businesses are generating livelihoods, expanding opportunities for women and youth, and building resilience across communities. This is how Nigeria’s private sector can unlock Africa’s $3.4 trillion single market,” she said.
Beyond the immediate business deals, the Fair gave the entrepreneurs the chance to test the pulse of the continental markets. Many discovered new customer preferences, competitive trends, and distribution networks that are capable of shaping Africa’s evolving trade landscape. For others, the lessons learned in Algiers were just as valuable as the contracts signed, offering insights that will influence product design, branding, and long-term expansion strategies.
IATF 2025 brought together more than 2,100 exhibitors and thousands of buyers, investors, and policymakers, making it Africa’s leading platform for translating the promise of AfCFTA into action. Looking ahead to IATF 2027, which will take place in Lagos, UNDP Nigeria is committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that even more Nigerian MSMEs not only participate but also take leadership in shaping Africa’s integrated marketplace.
For programme enquiries:
Edith-Casely Fordjoe
Programme Analyst – Inclusive Growth
For media enquiries:
Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg
Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships
Related
content
content
