Nigeria and Uganda Strengthen Economic Bonds Under AfCFTA.

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Nigeria and Uganda have taken a significant step in strengthening their trade relations, marking a major milestone in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. 

The appointment of Ugandan Trade Representative Ani Bassey-Eyo to Nigeria paved the way for the signing of commitment export orders, which will enable Uganda’s first official shipment of goods to Nigeria.

The event, which took place in December 2024, coincided with the commissioning of the Free Zones Export facility at Entebbe International Airport and the launch of Uganda’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy. 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who witnessed the signing, emphasized the importance of regional trade in driving economic transformation. 

“I am pleased to kick off the journey for the first formal exports of Ugandan products to West Africa under AfCFTA,” he said.

Museveni also stressed the need for African nations to expand trade across the continent to achieve sustainable growth. “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,” he added.

The first shipment, expected in the first quarter of 2025, will include various products such as coffee, tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals. This pilot consignment aims to assess market demand in Nigeria and lay the groundwork for further trade expansion.

Museveni commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and facilitating the entry of Ugandan products into the Nigerian market. He also urged African nations to strengthen commercial ties and harness the continent’s economic potential.

Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, highlighted the role of free zones in attracting investment and creating jobs. Permanent Secretary Lynette Bagonza praised the collaborative efforts of government ministries and the private sector in shaping Uganda’s trade strategy.

Uganda’s push into Nigeria’s market is part of its broader ambition to position itself as a regional trade hub. The country plans to expand exports to other AfCFTA member states by leveraging trade corridors and improving infrastructure.

Please don’t forget to “allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.