AfCFTA Boosts Nigeria's Intra-African Trade to $9.02bn in 2025

Nigeria's trade with other African countries rose by 21 per cent in 2025 to reach $9.02 billion, reflecting the growing impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in expanding regional commerce and opening new export opportunities.

The figures, contained in the African Trade Report 2026 released by Afreximbank, showed that Nigeria's intra-African trade increased from $7.47 billion in 2024. The report attributed the growth to the country's stronger focus on regional markets and increased utilisation of AfCFTA provisions aimed at reducing trade barriers across the continent.

According to the report, Nigeria made significant progress in strengthening its participation in continental trade through policies designed to improve market access and lower trading costs for exporters. One of the key milestones was the gazetting of the country's Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025, allowing eligible Nigerian products to enjoy preferential tariff treatment across participating AfCFTA member states.

Afreximbank noted that the tariff concessions also provide reciprocal access for imports from other African countries, helping to deepen economic integration and encourage greater cross-border trade. The report added that the agreement is creating fresh opportunities for businesses seeking to expand beyond Nigeria's domestic market.

Stakeholders believe the continued implementation of AfCFTA will further strengthen Nigeria's export sector, improve regional value chains and enhance the country's competitiveness within the African market. They, however, stressed the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, logistics and trade facilitation to maximise the benefits of the continental trade agreement.