LAGOS, May 26 – Nigeria has expanded its regional trade infrastructure through a new air cargo initiative that will provide exporters with direct access to additional markets across East and Southern Africa.
The new logistics corridor, launched in partnership with RwandAir, will connect Nigerian exporters to Kigali in Rwanda, Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe, creating new distribution channels for goods moving across the continent.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Nigerian authorities to strengthen intra-African trade and reduce logistical bottlenecks affecting exporters, particularly smaller businesses seeking regional expansion opportunities.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole said the project is intended to improve market access and lower transportation barriers that have historically limited cross-border trade activity.
The programme is being implemented through collaboration involving multiple agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Officials indicated that the initiative builds on previous pilot shipments involving Nigerian businesses, including enterprises led by women entrepreneurs, while the first cargo movement under the expanded arrangement is expected in mid-2026.
The launch also reflects wider efforts to strengthen trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The latest corridor follows earlier trade connectivity initiatives introduced by Nigeria aimed at linking exporters to additional African markets including Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.
Authorities previously indicated that such corridors could reduce logistics costs for exporters by between 50% and 75%, improving competitiveness for products such as agricultural goods, textiles and consumer products.
The development also follows recent diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and Rwanda that focused on trade and economic cooperation.
Recent bilateral agreements included the introduction of a visa-free arrangement allowing Rwandan nationals to enter Nigeria for short-term visits related to tourism, business and official activities.
The latest cargo initiative underscores Nigeria’s broader strategy of using transport connectivity and regional partnerships to expand export opportunities and strengthen Africa-wide commercial integration.
