ABUJA, July 1 – Nigeria’s trade with other African countries rose by 21% in 2025, reaching $9.02 billion as businesses made greater use of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the African Trade Report 2026 released by Afreximbank, Nigeria’s intra-African trade increased from $7.47 billion in 2024, strengthening the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading trading nations.
The report said the growth was driven by Nigeria’s increased focus on regional trade, supported by efforts to lower trade barriers and expand market access through the AfCFTA. Crude oil remained Nigeria’s largest export to African markets. However, the report also pointed to a broader mix of exports, including chemicals, plastics and rubber products, processed agricultural goods, food products, urea and cement.
One of the major milestones highlighted in the report was the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025. The move allows eligible Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs in participating AfCFTA countries, while providing reciprocal access for imports from member states.
Afreximbank also noted that Nigeria introduced new logistics initiatives to support regional trade. These include a dedicated air cargo corridor connecting the country with East and Southern Africa, helping to cut transport costs and improve the movement of goods across the continent.
The bank said the combination of lower trade barriers, wider market access and improved logistics has strengthened Nigeria’s regional trade performance and supported the country’s growing role in Africa’s single market.
