- New route offers 50–75% logistics cost reduction to East and Southern Africa
- Initiative to deepen trade with Uganda, Kenya, South Africa – Oduwole
In a bold move to enhance regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, a strategic export initiative aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving market access for Nigerian businesses.
Launched on Africa Day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Uganda Airlines.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the corridor as a transformative trade enabler that grants Nigerian exporters discounted access to key African markets—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa—with air cargo rates slashed by between 50% and 75%, including regulatory charges.
“This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to make the AfCFTA work for Nigerian businesses, especially our micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of our economy,” the Minister said.
She explained that the discounted rates, currently at 50% below commercial cargo rates, apply to registered Nigerian businesses under recognised business groups. The corridor will significantly cut the cost and delivery time of moving goods from Nigeria to East and Southern Africa, facilitating more competitive exports.
Fulfilling the President’s Promise
Oduwole emphasised that the initiative delivers on one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s core economic promises to drive the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports through the AfCFTA framework.
“This initiative empowers Nigerian businesses to expand into African markets with greater confidence, reduced costs, faster delivery times, and lower risk,” she stated.
She added that the cargo corridor is more than a logistics solution—it is a strategic platform to accelerate regional integration, enhance trade monitoring, and unlock new growth opportunities for exporters.
Africa’s Trade Potential
With the AfCFTA now the largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries, the Minister underscored its potential to spur industrialisation and economic growth across the continent.
“Intra-African trade records higher levels of value-added products than trade with other regions. This is directly aligned with Nigeria’s goals of industrialisation, economic diversification, job creation, and broad-based development,” she said.
Starting with operations from Lagos and Abuja, the corridor will enable faster delivery of goods, particularly perishable and time-sensitive items, thus reducing lead times from months to just days.
“For too long, Nigerian exporters have struggled with high logistics costs and long delivery cycles. This corridor is a game-changer,” she noted.
Empowering MSMEs and Businesses
“This air corridor is not just a pilot; it’s a pathway for Nigerian MSMEs to confidently enter and expand across African markets with reduced cost, time, and risk,” the Minister said.
She also announced the imminent launch of an AfCFTA Market Intelligence Tool developed in collaboration with the UNDP.
According to her, the digital platform is designed to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements and uncover trade opportunities in East and Southern African markets.
