Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria and the United Nations have intensified discussions on accelerating Africa’s economic integration, with a strong focus on the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The renewed push emerged during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Africa and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Ahunna Eziakonwa.
Central to the talks was Nigeria’s strategic role in driving continental trade and economic cooperation, with both parties underscoring the importance of deeper collaboration to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
Eziakonwa highlighted outcomes from the recently concluded regional dialogue on AfCFTA implementation, hosted by Nigeria in partnership with the UNDP, noting that the country remains pivotal to the agreement’s success.
“Nigeria’s active participation is indispensable to the success of the AfCFTA, and the UNDP remains ready to support the Federal Government in advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation and stronger regional value chains,” she said.
The meeting also reviewed broader cooperation areas, including sustainable development, democratic governance, and peacebuilding, while reaffirming commitments to long-term regional stability and prosperity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Eziakonwa on her appointment as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing it as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
“Your elevation is a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa. We remain committed to strengthening our long-standing partnership with the United Nations in advancing sustainable development, democratic governance and regional prosperity,” the minister said.
Beyond economic integration, both sides explored initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and youth empowerment across Africa.
Eziakonwa outlined the progress of the UNDP Regional Leadership Programme, which mentors young African women, and invited the minister to participate as a mentor and speaker in future sessions, as well as attend a high-level gathering of African women leaders scheduled for August 2026.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for programmes that promote leadership development and inclusive participation.
“Investing in the next generation of African leaders remains essential to achieving sustainable peace, democratic governance and inclusive development across the continent,” she stated.
The meeting reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the United Nations and UNDP to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with a renewed emphasis on economic transformation through regional trade.
