Nigeria intra-African trade recorded a significant boost in 2025, rising by 21 per cent to $9.02 billion as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continued to strengthen regional commerce and create new export opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The latest African Trade Report 2026 released by Afreximbank showed that Nigeria’s trade with other African countries increased from $7.47 billion in 2024 to $9.02 billion in 2025, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading participants in regional trade.
The report attributed the increase to Nigeria’s deliberate efforts to deepen regional trade by taking advantage of opportunities created under the AfCFTA framework. These efforts have helped reduce trade barriers, improve market access and encourage businesses to expand exports across the continent.
While crude oil remained Nigeria’s largest export to African markets, the report noted growing diversification in the country’s export profile. Key non-oil exports included chemicals, plastics and rubber products, processed agricultural products, food items, urea and cement. According to the report:
“Elsewhere in West Africa, the value of Nigeria’s trade with the continent grew from $7.47 billion to $9.02 billion. Crude oil was a dominant feature in Nigeria’s exports to Africa. Other key exports included non-oil manufactured goods such as chemicals, plastics and rubber products, processed agricultural goods and foodstuffs, urea and cement.”
Nigeria intra-African trade also benefited from policy measures designed to improve competitiveness within the continental free trade area.
Afreximbank highlighted the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025 as a major milestone. The move allows Nigerian products to qualify for preferential tariff treatment across participating AfCFTA member states while granting reciprocal access to eligible imports from other African countries. The report said the initiative has strengthened Nigeria’s ability to compete within Africa’s expanding single market.
The bank also pointed to improvements in transport infrastructure aimed at facilitating cross-border commerce. Among the major developments was the launch of a dedicated air cargo corridor connecting Nigeria with East and Southern Africa. The initiative is expected to reduce transportation costs, shorten delivery times and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports across the continent.
The continued expansion of regional trade under AfCFTA aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on traditional export destinations outside Africa while creating new opportunities for manufacturers, agricultural producers and other exporters targeting Africa’s growing consumer market.
