The Federal Government has expanded Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with a new strategic partnership with RwandAir to strengthen the Nigeria–East and Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor and boost non-oil exports.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, announced the development, describing it as a major step toward reducing trade barriers and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian goods across African markets.
According to the minister, the partnership is designed to increase cargo capacity, improve frequency and reliability of shipments, and significantly reduce logistics costs for exporters.
Before the introduction of the dedicated corridor, Nigerian exporters faced high cargo charges ranging from $3 to $10 per kilogram, a situation that limited trade volumes and made Nigerian products less competitive in East and Southern Africa.
The initiative builds on the original launch of the corridor on Africa Day 2025, when the Federal Government partnered with Uganda Airlines to establish the route. The addition of RwandAir is expected to deepen the impact of the project.
Oduwole noted that the expanded corridor will open up access to high-growth markets, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy.
She added that the move aligns with ongoing efforts to fully leverage the AfCFTA framework, which aims to create a single continental market of over 1.3 billion people.
The minister emphasised that the government remains committed to translating AfCFTA opportunities into tangible economic benefits through practical trade facilitation measures.
Further details on routes, pricing, and implementation timelines are expected to be released by the ministry in collaboration with RwandAir.
