Abuja, Nigeria — Intra-African trade is projected to reach $230 billion in 2026, as Nigeria assumes leadership of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers, with a renewed push to translate agreements into tangible economic gains.
The projection was disclosed during the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade in Abuja, according to a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI).
AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, said the issuance of more than 10,000 certificates of origin as of March 2026 reflects growing commercial activity under the agreement.
“Intra-African trade is projected to reach approximately $230 billion in 2026, driven increasingly by manufacturing and value-added products,” Mene said.
He noted that the completion of Phase II negotiations, including key intellectual property frameworks, marks a shift from policy design to full implementation of the trade agreement.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the country’s new leadership role places it at the centre of efforts to accelerate trade, industrialisation and economic integration across Africa.
“The AfCFTA remains one of the African Union’s most transformative initiatives. Africa must now move beyond negotiations to delivering measurable economic outcomes,” she said.
Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s implementation progress, including tariff concessions, services commitments, export readiness programmes, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
She added that Nigeria would prioritise strengthening regional value chains, expanding digital trade, improving access to trade finance, and boosting participation of women and youth-led businesses.
The outgoing chair, Dr. Mohammed Saleh of Egypt, said progress had been made on complex trade frameworks, including rules of origin and digital trade regulations, while calling for faster implementation through stronger customs systems and private sector participation.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised that shifting global supply chains, rapid digital transformation and Africa’s youthful population present new opportunities to expand the continent’s role in global trade.
They also called for closer collaboration between governments, development finance institutions and the private sector to sustain momentum and unlock the full benefits of the AfCFTA.
Nigeria’s leadership of the council is expected to play a critical role in driving the next phase of implementation, with a focus on delivering concrete economic outcomes across the continent.
