The WCO Supports Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office and Stakeholders to Enhance Competencies in Rules of Origin
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office and the Nigeria Customs Service, conducted an Advanced Training Workshop on Rules of Origin (RoO) in Abuja from 16 to 18 September 2025. The initiative, held under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme and funded by the European Union, aimed to […]
Biashara Africa Forum Postponed to November in Lomé
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has announced that the third edition of the Biashara Africa Forum will now take place from November 3–5, 2025, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of October 20–22, 2025. The forum will be hosted in Lomé, Togo, a city recognized for its active role in advancing the implementation of […]
African Parliamentary Leaders Applaud Progress in AfCFTA Implementation
The 2025 Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments held from 29th – 30th September 2025, underscored growing confidence in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of continental integration and industrial transformation. Speakers from across Africa commended the AfCFTA Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, for its tangible progress in operationalizing […]
Navigating Trade Challenges: South Africa’s Economic Future Post-AGOA
The latest trade statistics from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), released on 30 September 2025, reflect both strength and vulnerability in South Africa’s economic landscape. Despite recording a R4.0 billion trade surplus, exports fell by 6.8% while imports grew by 1.9%, highlighting the fragility of the current trade balance. The decline in major export […]
Namibia’s intra-Africa exports hit N$4.7b
Namibia’s export performance continues to show impressive growth, underscoring the country’s expanding role in regional trade and investment. As of late 2024, Namibia’s total exports to African markets exceeded N$4.7 billion, while imports from the continent stood at N$7.7 billion. The country’s key export commodities — diamonds, uranium, gold, fish, and copper — continue to drive […]
New WTO-World Bank reports hail progress in advancing Africa’s digital trade
The WTO Secretariat and the World Bank have successfully completed the pilot phase of their joint initiative, “Digital Trade for Africa,” culminating in the publication of digital trade assessments for six African countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. During an information session on 25 September, both organizations briefed WTO members on the project’s […]
Manufacturers Warn Proposed Tax Stamp Could Trigger Inflation and Weaken Nigeria’s AfCFTA Competitiveness
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that proposed tax stamps on excisable goods would worsen inflation, shrink consumer demand, and undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness under AfCFTA. While acknowledging the gains of the 2025 Tax Act—which simplified levies and reduced compliance costs—MAN argued that tax stamps would reintroduce hidden burdens, raise production costs, and push consumers […]
Nigeria leads West African delegation to strengthen Trade ties with Malaysia
Nigeria has taken the lead in positioning West Africa on the global halal stage through a strong presence at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, held on 20th September 2025, organized by MATRADE. The region was represented by 25 buyers — including eight from Nigeria — alongside participants from Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, reflecting […]